Aquatic Biologist

Overview

If you have a strong passion for the environment and want to begin your journey as an Aquatic Biologist 1, this may be the opportunity you have been searching for! The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is excited to welcome a dedicated professional who is ready to dive into this rewarding field and gain valuable experience. Here, you will be a key evaluator for PennDOT-related permit applications to ensure that transportation projects are not disruptive to the biological balance of the Commonwealth's waterways.

Join us in making a difference and take the first step toward a fulfilling career in environmental protection. Your enthusiasm and commitment could be just what we need to enhance our programs and initiatives!

As an Aquatic Biologist 1, you will conduct assignments within the Encroachments Section of the Major Projects Permitting Division (MPPD) in the Bureau of Permitting Coordination, Office of Field Operations. You will engage in a wide-range of duties involving the assessment, interpretation, and application of biological factors for PennDOT-related permit applications submitted to MPPD. Work will focus on reviewing transportation projects for PennDOT, which require permitting under the Dam Safety and Encroachment Act, Flood Plain Management Act, and their companion regulations.

You will determine if waivers can be granted in accordance with regulations, assist with preparing the Record of Decisions for review by executive staff, conduct fee determinations, and maintain all necessary permit application data into data management systems.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description
.

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 3 days per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Williamsport. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.
  
  Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $51,971.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree with a major in a biological science, natural science, environmental science, or natural resource management, including or supplemented by six college credits in freshwater aquatic biology, aquatic ecology, aquatic botany, water pollution biology, entomology, limnology, or closely related aquatic science coursework;
  or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes six college credits in freshwater aquatic biology, aquatic ecology, aquatic botany, water pollution biology, entomology, limnology, or closely related aquatic science coursework.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Special Requirement:

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position…