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ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II BIO SCIENCE

Recruitment #23-001739-0001

Introduction


The Maryland Department of Agriculture is a department under Maryland's Executive Branch.  Formed in 1972 by the Maryland General Assembly to address the agriculture needs for the State of Maryland, the Department oversees and serves as a regulatory body for animal health, consumer services to include marketing and lab services, plant and pest management and resource conservation.  As the number one industry in Maryland, the diversity of agriculture programs in the State continues to expand and grow.

Our Plant Protection and Weed Management Program focus is to conduct regulatory, inspection, and educational programs that protect the health of plants and honeybees in the State of Maryland. The program also serves as the State's authority on plant pests and agricultural quarantines and provides liaison for the Department with other state and federal regulatory officials regarding these issues.

This position is limited to permanent AND contractual employees currently employed at Maryland Department of Agricultural (MDA).

GRADE

14

LOCATION OF POSITION

50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Main Purpose of Job

The purpose of the Environmental Specialist II (Bioscience) position is to utilize geographic information systems (GIS) mapping technology and related computer programs to support insect pest detection programs in Maryland, particularly in regard to Spotted Lanternfly, and to lead the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Spotted Lanternfly Team.

POSITION DUTIES

This position requires proficiency in mapping technologies and preparation of maps using ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, ArcGIS Field Maps, Maryland iMAP and other resources for the purpose of generating multi-purpose maps.  These maps are used to show current spotted lanternfly populations throughout the State, areas of the State which are under SLF quarantine, current and past MDA and USDA survey, treatment, and delineation efforts within Maryland.

Use GIS mapping technology to monitor detections of spotted lanternfly, quickly create maps listing these locations for public and governmental use and determine best allocation of resources to efficiently survey for spotted lanternfly.

Lead and oversee daily operation of spotted lanternfly team.  Require training and leading seasonal contractual employees to conduct surveillance and suppression work.  Ensure compliance with departmental policies and regulations with regards to providing effective invasive insect control and /or suppression of population within the State. Require continuous and ongoing inspections and evaluations of invasive insect populations, invasive insect host populations, citizens complaints, and evaluations of suppression efforts. 

Require ability to utilize and troubleshoot USDA required data collection systems on provided handheld computer systems. Maintain and record data of inspections, surveys, and pet monitoring programs, and use this information to determine best management practices for these pests. 

Interact with governmental agencies and the public with regards to reports of suspected invasive insects in Maryland.  Conduct surveys and inspections to support the detection and control of invasive insects. Require record keeping of all invasive insect treatment activities in compliance with state and federal laws. Require monitoring of equipment and supplies needed to conduct proper invasive insect surveys sand inspections, and informing purchaser when deficiencies are discovered. Assist section personnel in work on other projects as needed. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in biology, biochemistry, zoology, botany, animal science, wildlife management, or any other discipline in the field of biological science.

Experience: Three years of professional environmental experience in terrestrial or aquatic biological science specifically related to ecological/environmental impact studies.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences for one year of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Environmental Engineering and Natural Resources classifications or Environmental Engineering and Natural Resources specialty codes in the Engineering, Natural Resources and Science field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required education and experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess any of the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

One year of experience performing fieldwork (such as inspection, surveillance, mapping, applying control measures) in an insect pest detection control program (e.g., Spotted Lanternfly).

One year of experience conducting surveys, inspections, and data reports to support the detection and control of invasive insects (e.g., Spotted Lanternfly) in a private or public pest control program.

One year of experience with Microsoft Access, including performing queries, creating reports, and utilizing forms.

One year of experience using ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, ArcGIS Field Maps, Arc Catalog, or other geospatial database software. 

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

This position is limited to permanent AND contractual employees currently employed at Maryland Department of Agricultural (MDA).

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties that 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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Some positions in this classification are assigned duties which will require the applicants to be examined by a physician. After an offer of employment, applicants for such positions will be given a medical examination to certify the ability to perform the essential job functions.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training, and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.  The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

Please report all related education, experience, dates, and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). 

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added.  Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. 

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS

G

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: Maryland Department of Agriculture, Human Resource Office, Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD  21401. All paper applications must be received by 4:30 PM on the closing date, no exceptions.  (Postmarks not accepted.) Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.

If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas or transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application.  If you are unable to upload, you may mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831).

For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Stacey Summers 410-841-5842 or stacey.summers@maryland.gov.  TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

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




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