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NATURAL RESOURCES BIOLOGIST V

Western Region Ecologist

Recruitment #23-001002-0002

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GRADE

18

LOCATION OF POSITION

Western Region: 301 Braddock Rd, Frostburg MD

Main Purpose of Job

This position is responsible for the conservation and management of unique natural communities and rare, Threatened or Endangered species, primarily within the western region of Maryland, and for statewide guidance on the conservation and management of small mammals and other areas of specific zoological expertise. This position requires a background in biological sciences with special emphasis on ecology, landscape ecology, zoology and botany and a thorough understanding of Maryland ecosystems. The incumbent must have knowledge of the laws and regulations which protect natural resources. A thorough knowledge of the principles of standard cartography and the interpretation of infra-red and true-color satellite imagery, including topographic and bathymetric data interpretation relating to aspect and other factors that affect ecosystem conditions is also required. It is of primary importance that the incumbent has excellent writing skills to communicate conservation and habitat management needs. This position requires a working familiarity with the animals and plants of Maryland and use of standard methodology in plant and wildlife taxonomy, population monitoring and assessment, and habitat assessment. The incumbent must coordinate staff interactions with government and academia to generate reports which synopsize data from a wide variety of sources in order to satisfy grant requirements in a timely manner. This work requires familiarity with all factors which determine environmental threats to specific ecosystems and species, as well as a general familiarity and experience with terrestrial and aquatic habitats throughout the region. Extensive knowledge of sound ecosystem management practices and principles is required. The incumbent must have the biological experience and institutional knowledge to effectively administer the Maryland Non-game and Endangered Species Conservation Act. A creative problem-solving approach is often required to resolve the frequent conflicts inherent in managing human interaction with natural ecosystems.

POSITION DUTIES

The Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service’s Natural Heritage Program is seeking a Natural Resources Biologist V team member who will be responsible for the conservation and management of nongame wildlife and natural communities in the Western Region with an emphasis on rare, threatened and endangered species and rare natural communities. Work will occur on state and private lands. This work requires a wide breadth and depth of knowledge of those species and their habitats, as well as the environmental threats to specific ecosystems and species, in order to assess their status and determine actions needed to abate the threats and conserve priority species and natural communities and ecosystems that support them.

The position will be based in Western Maryland and will supervise the Western Region Biologist. Familiarity and experience with numerous natural areas throughout this region, with the natural communities and wildlife of the region, with the design and implementation of population monitoring and habitat assessment methods, with species inventory methods, and with habitat management and restoration techniques will be essential to fulfill this mission.

The incumbent must work with staff of various government agencies, private conservation organizations, academia, and private landowners to carry out conservation and management actions. A creative, problem-solving approach is often required to resolve the frequent conflicts inherent in managing human interactions with natural ecosystems.

The incumbent will research, monitor and conduct inventories of rare species, non-game wildlife and key wildlife habitats to assess status and conservation needs; provide conservation recommendations for non-game wildlife, rare species and key wildlife habitats in response to requests to review land management plans, development activities and forest stewardship and timber harvest plans on public and private lands; identify and assist in implementing habitat stewardship and restoration projects for rare species and non-game wildlife; identify land conservation priorities and provide guidance regarding the ecological significance of properties under consideration for acquisition or easement; and perform outreach to expand the understanding of and appreciation for biodiversity conservation, rare and unique natural resources and Maryland’s ecosystems.

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 six 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 six 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

  • Master’s degree or PhD in zoology, conservation biology, wildlife biology or one of the closely related fields listed under the minimum qualifications education requirement on this job bulletin.
  • Four years of experience with research, monitoring, or field surveys of non-game wildlife including some experience with small mammals, particularly bats, native to Maryland and the habitats that support them, including use of ArcGIS and disseminating results via presentations, reports or other publications.
  • Experience developing, reviewing, and implementing management plans or restoration plans for habitats or species of concern.
  • Successful work with partners on habitat conservation projects and communication with the public about wildlife habitat conservation.
  • Experience working with or for public agencies to identify conservation measures to avoid/minimize environmental impacts of land use plans, land management plans, timber harvest plans, and/or proposals for land development.
  • Knowledge of the natural areas, plants, and animals, including rare species, of Maryland.
  • Experience managing multiple priorities and supervising staff or volunteers.

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 qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not accept information submitted after this date. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all education and experience related to the essential functions and qualifications of this position.
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.

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.

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 Courtney Blackistone at courtney.blackistone@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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