Aquatic Biologist

Step into a job where science meets real-world impact! As an Aquatic Biologist 1 with the Department of Environmental Protection, you will help keep waterways healthier and more enjoyable for everyone. You will collect samples, study aquatic life, and support black fly control operations. This position is ideal for someone who is eager to learn and ready for hands-on environmental work.

Bring your curiosity and motivation to a job where learning and impact go hand in hand!

This role supports statewide efforts to reduce nuisance black fly populations and protect public health and recreation. It involves field sampling, biological assessments, data evaluation, and coordination of suppression operations. As an Aquatic Biologist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Field Sampling: Collect field samples of black fly larvae, adults, fish, macroinvertebrates, aquatic plants, plankton, and water chemistry data using standardized methods
• Data Review: Review species information, abundance counts, life stages, and treatment effectiveness records to support program decisions
• Record Keeping: Maintain clear and accurate records of sampling activities, spray operations, and related program data
• Public Response: Respond to public complaints and inquiries in an organized and timely manner
• Operational Support: Coordinate staff during sampling activities and contribute to program reports, Geographic Information System mapping, and yearly assessments

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

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time. 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 $53,008.00 (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 three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.

• 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.

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

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S.…