Aquatic Biologist 1 (Limited Term)

If you have a strong passion for environmental conservation and are eager to embark on a career as an Aquatic Biologist 1, the Department of Environmental Protection is on the lookout for a dedicated individual like you. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a vital field that focuses on the health of our aquatic ecosystems. By joining our enthusiastic team, you will play a crucial role in initiatives aimed at safeguarding Pennsylvania's natural resources and promoting sustainability for future generations. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the preservation of our environment, we encourage you to submit your application today! Together, we can strive towards a healthier planet and a brighter future for all.

In this position, you will be responsible for conducting comprehensive statewide surveillance of tick species as part of the Tick Surveillance and Testing Program. Your duties will include performing laboratory analyses on biological samples to ascertain the age, sex, and species of ticks, as well as other arthropods when necessary. You will meticulously record and input field data from tick collections into the internal database, collaborating closely with Vector Management and regional personnel on investigative studies related to tick and arthropod activity. As a vital member of the statewide rapid response team addressing ticks and associated diseases, you will also contribute to the development of strategies alongside other program staff to enhance or innovate existing monitoring programs.

Additionally, you will prepare analyses and reports on Vector Management studies, collect aquatic samples using specialized equipment to assess water quality parameters, and gather samples of black flies or other macroinvertebrates for water quality evaluations. Your work will involve utilizing equipment to monitor environmental parameters during sampling, including continuous measurements of temperature, dissolved oxygen, and humidity. You will collect samples of mosquitoes, black flies, and ticks, using the data to inform various metrics that determine nuisance thresholds and assess disease risk. A GIS-based Oracle database will be employed to upload sampling data and establish sampling sites, with GIS technology utilized to generate maps upon request to illustrate sampling results and disease presence.

Furthermore, you will promote the Department's mission by inputting data in a prescribed format that adheres to the data quality standards outlined by guidance, training, and policy across all of DEP's electronic data systems, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of entries while minimizing duplicative entries and data quality issues through the use of system-specific tools. Lastly, you will assist in analyzing biological indices of vector populations to identify Integrated Pest Management (IPM) priorities based on potential risks to human health.

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time, limited-term employment (6 to 9 months) without benefits.
• 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 Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

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 a valid 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.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• 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 must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
  

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

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.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.