State of Maryland

A Natural Resources Biologist is the entry level of professional biological work in the management of natural resources.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions but may provide guidance and direction to lower-level Natural Resources Technicians.

Employees in this classification receive close supervision from a higher-level Natural Resources Biologist or other designated administrator.  The work may require lifting or carrying heavy objects or equipment weighing over twenty-five pounds.  Employees are required to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.  Some aspects of the work, such as handling wildlife, working aboard a boat and working in remote areas are considered hazardous.  Employees may be required to wear protective clothing and equipment when the need arises.

The Natural Resources Biologist I-V classifications are differentiated based on the total points accrued by the application of the Factor Evaluation System for Professional Biological Positions.  The job evaluation factors are: (1) Qualifications Required, (2) Supervisory Controls, (3) Guidelines, (4) Complexity, (5) Scope and Effect, (6) Personal Contacts and Purpose, and (7) Supervision Exercised.  The point range requirements for the Natural Resource Biologist I classification are 1855 – 2100 points.  The point range requirements for the Natural Resources Biologist II classification are 2105 – 2350 points. The point range requirements for the Natural Resources Biologist III classification are 2355 – 2750 points.  The point range requirements for the Natural Resources Biologist IV classification are 2755 – 3150 points.  The point range requirements for the Natural Resources Biologist V classification are 3155 – 3600 points.  Additional information on the evaluation and allocation criteria for the Natural Resources Biologist series is available from the agency personnel office.

Learns to organize technical research surveys and collect data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of natural resources;

Learns to compile, analyze and interpret technical data to provide recommendations for maintaining and enhancing natural resource quality and diversity;

Learns to provide technical assistance and advice to public or private landowners regarding wildlife habitat improvement, nuisance wildlife management and best management practices;

Learns to conduct fish and wildlife development projects, as assigned;

Learns to capture, measure, band and release wildlife, including fish, using various nets, lures, traps and cannon nets;

Learns to follow fish culture procedures to produce adequate supplies of fish;

Learns to conduct presentations to various public or private, civic and recreational groups;

Learns to prepare reports, management plans and draft regulations based on results of surveys and resource inventories;

Learns to assist in or conduct surveys for the collection of wildlife population data, including population numbers, mortality indices, disease outbreaks, distribution and abundance;

Learns to assist in or conduct surveys and investigations of fish, crab, oyster, or clam populations or habitat and water quality;

Learns to assist in the design of wildlife and fish sampling programs;

Learns to assist higher-level professional staff in developing natural resource management plans;

May learn to prepare federal aid reports;

May learn to clean and maintain field and laboratory equipment;

May learn to lead and train seasonal employees and technicians in conducting research and inventory activities and in implementing natural resources management plans;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of natural resources conservation practices;

Ability to learn natural resources conservation and management principles and practices;

Ability to learn research methods and data collection techniques;

Ability to learn specific species, including habitat, behavior, populations and other characteristics used for research and survey development;

 Ability to learn to perform natural resources management research;

 Ability to learn to evaluate and interpret data from surveys and research activities;

Ability to learn to prepare reports and make recommendations for natural resources management plans and regulations;

Ability to learn to develop and implement natural resources management practices and plans;

Ability to learn to use or operate scientific instruments, tools, equipment and machines;

Ability to work with others;

Ability to communicate effectively.

Experience: Four years of professional experience conducting research and analysis in the fields of biology, biochemistry, environmental science, natural science, natural resources management, botany, marine biology, marine ecology, physical oceanography, ichthyology, fisheries management, wildlife management or zoology.

Notes: 

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental aquaculture, natural science, natural resources management, botany, marine biology, marine ecology or physical oceanography, ichthyology, fisheries management, wildlife management, zoology, or a natural resources management related field of study from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in the natural resources management and biological sciences classifications or natural resources management and biological sciences specialty codes in the wildlife biology field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit G- Engineering, Scientific and Administrative Professionals classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial, and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining. Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.