NATURAL RESOURCES BIOLOGIST IV

This is a position specific recruitment for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Services. 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.

17

Oxford, MD (Talbot County)

This position serves as the laboratory manager for the Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Cooperative Oxford Laboratory. This position manages diagnostic and research laboratories equipped with specialized equipment for propagation and manipulation of microbial pathogens and tissue culture cell lines, and for analytical assays to detect and identify microbial pathogens and diseases of shellfish and finfish. The position is responsible for operation and maintenance of sophisticated laboratory equipment and reagents, for anticipating and maintaining inventories of laboratory reagents, and for coordinating uses of laboratory facilities and analytical equipment by multiple diagnostic, inspection and research projects. The position collects, processes, analyzes, and archives tissue samples from aquatic animals to detect and identify diseases and their causes, using microscopic examination of tissues, bacteriological processes, PCR assay of sample DNAs, cell culture and assays of histological and cytological samples with DNA probes, antibody reagents, and other analytical reagents. The position also participates as an essential member of a team that acquires diagnostic tissue samples for disease assays from live oysters, and which processes and analyzes such samples during a 3-4 month annual survey of Maryland oyster populations as well as from finfish for fish health inspections of fish located on Maryland state hatcheries. Demonstrated capabilities for managing and conducting disease research and monitoring projects are essential. Also essential are capabilities for training and supervising subordinates and developing and managing project budgets.

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, environmental science, 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.

Experience: Five years of experience in performing professional biological work in the field of natural resources management.

Notes: 

1. Additional 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 may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

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 credits for one year of the required 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 and education.   

Experience developing and performing immunoassays and in situ DNA probe hybridization (ISH) assays for detection and identification of pathogens of shellfish and finfish

Experience developing and performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for qualitative and quantitative detection of pathogen DNAs in shellfish and finfish tissues, cultured cells, and environmental samples

Experience in isolating, propagating, characterizing, and cryopreserving axenic in vitro cultures of bacterial and protozoan pathogens

Experience in managing biomolecular & microbiology laboratories conducting experimental research on diseases of shellfish and finfish, using and developing assays with microbiology, PCR, antibodies, and other emerging techniques

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.

Please make sure you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your 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.

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.

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.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

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.

Inquiries regarding this recruitment can be directed to Crystal Wilson at crystal.wilson1@maryland.gov.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.