Aquatic Biologist

As an Aquatic Biologist 1 with the Department of Environmental Protection, you will help safeguard natural habitats and guide responsible project development. This role offers a rewarding mix of fieldwork and analysis that helps keep waterways healthy. Your efforts will support decisions that protect plants, animals, and local communities. Join a team that values your commitment to environmental stewardship.

This position supports the review and evaluation of environmental impacts related to dams, water obstructions, and encroachment activities. The work helps ensure safe and responsible use of aquatic resources across the region. As an Aquatic Biologist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Environmental Analysis: Assist in evaluating site characteristics and aquatic conditions for permit applications
• Field Studies: Conduct investigations and surveys to document habitat, species, and environmental compliance
• Technical Research: Gather supporting materials to validate findings and strengthen permitting decisions
• Agency Coordination: Work with local, state, and federal partners on environmental reviews and planning needs
• Compliance Review: Investigate potential violations and provide recommendations for corrective actions
• Public Engagement: Support education efforts, meetings, and information sharing with communities and stakeholders

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch
• This position requires travel
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home 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 Wilkes Barre. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $53,008 (before taxes)
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices

• 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.

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

• You must possess and maintain a REAL  passport for this position. Proof of possession will be needed at the time of a conditional offer of employment.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.

All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.