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NATURAL RESOURCES BIOLOGIST III

Recruitment #23-001000-0005

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Introduction

This is a position specific recruitment for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Service. This recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies for the position and may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification/function. Future vacancies may also be filled via other recruitments. The resulting eligible list will be maintained for one year.

*Two Vacancies; Different Locations*

GRADE

16

LOCATION OF POSITION

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Fishing and Boating Service is currently recruiting for two Natural Resource Biologist III's. Please note, there is one vacancy at each location and the position duties differ: 
  • Freshwater Fisheries and Hatcheries Division, 17400 Annapolis Rock Road, Woodbine, MD (Howard County)
  • Fisheries Ecosystem Assessment Division, 301 Marine Academy Drive, Stevensville, MD (Queen Anne's County) 

Main Purpose of Job

A Natural Resources Biologist III is the first of three advanced levels of professional biological work in the management of natural resources.  Employees in this classification may be responsible for the supervision of lower-level Natural Resources Biologists, Natural Resources Technicians and other support staff.

Employees in this classification receive general 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.

Examples of work may include, but would not be limited to: 
  • Organize technical research surveys and the collection of data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential uses of natural resources; 
  • Compile, analyze and interpret technical data to provide recommendations for maintaining and enhancing natural resource quality and diversity;
  • Prepare or review environmental impact statements, technical survey reports, public information fact sheets and other reports involving the assigned function;
  • Prepare final technical reports, management plans and regulations based on results of surveys and resource inventories;
  • Supervise the capture, measurement, banding and release of wildlife, including fish, using various nets, lures, traps and cannon nets; and
  • Develop or supervise the development of natural resource management plans.

POSITION DUTIES

Please review the position duties of both positions, and specify in the supplemental questionnaire section of this application which position(s) you are interested in. 

Freshwater Fisheries and Hatcheries Division (Howard County): The incumbent selected for this position will assist the team members of the Freshwater Fisheries and Hatcheries Division by carrying out assigned duties under the direction of the Regional Manager that pertain to the management, protection, and enhancement of freshwater fisheries resources in the Central Region which includes Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard, and Montgomery Counties. Freshwater resources also include those fisheries found within the tidal freshwater portion of Chesapeake Bay. The goal of this position is to maintain, improve, or create freshwater fishing opportunities for public enjoyment through fishery monitoring, data collection and interpretation, fish stocking and special regulation.

This position provides technical and scientific support as required to meet the management objectives set forth by the Central Region Fisheries Manager in order to protect, enhance, maintain, and appropriately manage the freshwater and tidal black bass fisheries resources within the Central Region (Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard, Montgomery counties).  This position assists in or conducts fish, habitat, and water quality field surveys, records and enters data into databases, conducts data analysis and interprets results, drafts scientific reports, and prepares informational and outreach materials; transports and stocks juvenile and adult fish to support supplemental and trout stocking programs; provides technical and professional assistance and consultation to the general public, private landowners, consultants, federal, state, local, and municipal government officials concerning fisheries resources, management advice, and fishery status; and conducts routine maintenance and service of survey equipment, boats, trailers, fish hauling equipment and Central Region office.

Fisheries Ecosystem Assessment Division (Queen Anne's County):  The incumbent selected for this position will assist the team members of Fisheries Ecosystem Assessment Division in completion of field collections, laboratory experiments, data analysis, and completing section(s) of Federal Aid reports. 

Duties of the position involve field collection of ecological data in tidal tributaries throughout Maryland. Applicants will be able to conduct beach seine, trawl, ichthyoplankton, and fish diet surveys. They will be able to calibrate physicochemical parameter instruments, use a microscope, and be able to maintain equipment properly. Applicants will be able to identify Chesapeake Bay fish species (egg, larvae, and adult stages) in both field and laboratory settings. Applicants must also be willing to work long hours (8 – 12 hour field days) during sampling seasons in a range of adverse field and weather conditions. The work may require lifting or carrying heavy objects weighing fifty pounds. The applicant will be able to operate a boat and a trailer, and have basic knowledge of navigation rules. Some aspects of the work, such as handling fish, 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. Additional field duties may need to be required and/or established based on the data collections needed. 

In addition to field duties, office duties of the position will assist with entering data using software programs such as, Excel, and Access. The applicant must also be knowledgeable with basic data analysis using statistical software, such as SAS or R. The applicant will be responsible in assisting with Federal Aid report writing and literature research. Additional office duties may be required and/or established based on new research and analysis objectives that Fisheries Ecosystem Assessment Division may develop. 

Applicants may also be required to assist with educational outreach programs and work with citizen volunteers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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 and four years of experience in performing professional biological work in the field of natural resources management.

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 and four years of experience in performing professional biological work in the field of natural resources management for the required experience. 

2. Candidates may substitute graduate education beyond a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a natural resources related field of study as described above at the rate of 15 graduate credit hours for one year of experience for up to two years of the required experience. 

 3. 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.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The preferred applicant will demonstrate the following:
  • At least two years of professional experience completing assessments of freshwater fish populations.  This entails knowledge of sampling design, and experience with data collection, data entry and analysis, and scientific report writing.  
  • Experience with fish collection using electrofishing gear (boat, backpack, and barge-mounted units), nets, transportation of live fish, operation of boats, and towing trailers.
  • Experience in statistical software such as SAS or R.
  • One year of experience collecting fish using electrofishing gear. 

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your minimum qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates may be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Your application is part of the examination process. The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of this position. The rating will be based on the information provided on your application. Therefore, it is important you provide all the experience and education related to this position completely and accurately.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application is strongly preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Department of Natural Resources, Human Resources, 580 Taylor Avenue, C-3 Annapolis, MD 21401. The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.

Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application.

If you are having difficulty with your user account, need to make adjustments to a submitted application or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management at Application.Help@maryland.gov ; ATTN: Recruitment and Examination Division

Inquiries regarding this recruitment can be directed to Emilee Knott at Emilee.Knott@maryland.gov. 

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

Candidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. 



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