Seasonal ; Water Quality & Biological Monitoring Field Technician

Introduction

Seasonal;
Full-Time and Part-Time

Multiple Locations

9998

• Annapolis (Lincoln Drive field office – Maryland Biological Stream Survey), Anne Arundel County
• Annapolis (Lincoln Drive field office – Water Quality Monitoring Program), Anne Arundel County
• Annapolis (Tawes Building – Freshwater mussel assessment), Anne Arundel County
• Annapolis (Tawes Building – Maryland Biological Stream Survey), Anne Arundel County
• Swanton (Deep Creek Lake field office – Water Quality Monitoring Program), Garrett County (part-time)

The Department of Natural Resources, Monitoring and Non-Tidal Assessment Division is currently accepting applications for multiple full-time, seasonal hourly positions located in Annapolis MD and one part-time seasonal hourly position in Swanton, MD. The selected candidates may assist with the collection of water quality, biological, and habitat data in both tidal and non-tidal rivers of Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland’s Coastal Bays and Deep Creek Lake.

Primary duties include collecting water quality samples, measuring stream and storm flow, surveying for stream fish and freshwater mussels, collecting and processing benthic macroinvertebrate samples, measuring instream habitat, and entering monitoring data to assist with reporting. Sampling may be conducted from boats, bridges, piers and while wading or snorkeling within streams. Duties may also include maintaining and calibrating water quality sampling equipment, preparation of sampling/laboratory supplies, electrofishing, maintenance of aquaculture systems, conducting data verification and analysis, delivery of samples to the laboratory and other duties as assigned.

Selected candidates must be willing to work long and flexible hours aboard boats, from bridges, and in streams, under various weather conditions. Some positions may require being on call for weekend storm sampling. Some positions may require overnight trips lasting up to three weeknights during the sampling season. Positions may require carrying equipment over rough and uneven terrain; candidate must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Operating a large vehicle (van or truck) while driving throughout the State of Maryland is part of the assigned duties. Hot weather, biting insects, long hikes, briars, and snakes may also be encountered. Each person must provide their own transportation to meet a field crew prior to traveling to sampling sites.

• Education:
  
  High School Diploma or GED
• Experience:
  
  Two years of experience performing technical biological work. Candidates may substitute the completion of 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

• Ability to adhere to sampling protocols and accurately record data
• Ability to work independently and with others to efficiently complete assigned tasks
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Access, Excel and Word
• Familiarity with water quality instrumentation
• Familiarity with stream chemistry and biological sampling techniques
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

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.

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 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.

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves…