Aquatic Biologist ; Limited- Term

As an Aquatic Biologist 1 for the Department of Environmental Protection, you will be part of a team dedicated to understanding and improving water quality. This position blends outdoor fieldwork, laboratory tasks, and scientific analysis to support statewide environmental goals. You will gain valuable experience studying lakes and streams and helping identify environmental concerns. It is a rewarding opportunity for someone who wants to make a difference in water protection.

This position focuses on studying the health of aquatic environments by collecting field data, analyzing biological samples, and preparing technical findings. The work helps protect water quality by identifying impacts from pollution, supporting environmental decisions, and providing accurate scientific information. As an Aquatic Biologist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Field Studies: Conduct field surveys to assess how waste discharges affect aquatic life in lakes and streams
• Water Quality Surveys: Collect samples and document conditions to evaluate stream uses, fish health, and pollution impacts
• Lab Analysis: Examine biological samples under microscopes and classify organisms based on pollution tolerance
• Data Reporting: Compile investigation results and prepare technical reports and recommendations
• Interagency Coordination: Work with partner agencies to conduct joint lake and stream studies
• Permit Review: Evaluate permit applications for aquatic treatments and provide recommendations

• Full-time, limited-term employment (6 months)
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch
• Telework:
  You will not have the option to telework in this position

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

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license

• You must meet the PA residency requirement
• You must be able to perform essential job functions

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.