JOB TITLE: AQUATIC BIOLOGIST 2

JOB CODE: 14720

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Aquatic Biologist job series describes work in the assessment of aquatic communities and surface waters.

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional or lead work in the field of aquatic biology.

An employee in this job independently plans and conducts complex surveys and comprehensive field studies in a regional or district office; performs data management and analysis work to develop water standards, monitoring techniques, and training in the central office; or serves as a lead worker over Aquatic Biologists 1 or positions at a comparable level. In a regional office, mineral resource district office, or oil and gas district office, typical assignments include conducting or leading lake and wetland surveys, investigations, and in-stream comprehensive evaluations; conducting environmental analyses to provide technical input on permit applications that impact waterways and wetlands; assessing the impact of point source and nonpoint source pollution on aquatic life and habitat; conducting cause and effect surveys, point of first use surveys, and use attainment assessments; assessing the impact of construction, discharges, pesticide use, mining, and oil and gas extraction on waterways and wetlands; evaluating drinking water sources; or monitoring and suppressing water-borne vectors. In a central office setting, work involves performing data management and analysis to develop water standards, monitoring techniques, and training; developing and implementing protocols for surface water assessments; and entering the results of assessments and monitoring activities into electronic databases, geographic information systems, and statistical software to establish long term water quality records and document the results of surface water monitoring and assessment activities. Assignments are received in the form of general instructions, and are performed with considerable independence of action and latitude of judgment in their completion. Work is reviewed by a professional supervisor upon completion through an evaluation of reports and recommendations for technical accuracy and quality.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • In a field office setting, employees independently plan and conduct complex surveys and comprehensive field studies characterized by the potential for significant environmental degradation, the application and interpretation of complex or conflicting regulatory requirements, difficult external coordination requirements, significant political or public interest, or the high probability of legal action taken against or by the agency. In the central office setting, employees independently develop and implement protocols for surface water standards.

     • Employees at this level may serve as a lead worker over Aquatic Biologists 1, or positions at a comparable level, and other staff.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Plans and conducts routine and advanced scientific studies to assess aquatic communities and water quality in lakes, streams, and wetlands.

• Gathers background data on waterways for use in developing a field study or biological survey plan.

• Develops, initiates, designs, plans, and leads a variety of field investigations, biological surveys, and ecological studies of aquatic habitat and environmental conditions.

• Identifies and delineates wetlands, including the identification of hydrophytic plant species, hydric soils, and hydrologic indicators.

• Reviews and evaluates environmental aspects of permit applications for waterway encroachments and obstructions, wastewater and stormwater discharges, construction activities, mining and oil and gas extraction activities, pesticide applications, and other regulated activities.

• Reviews water withdrawal plans associated with permit applications.

• Evaluates the biological, chemical, or physical data of drinking water sources to determine if they meet potable water standards.

• Reviews biomonitoring test results submitted for permitted wastewater facilities to determine if the impact of effluent is within permit conditions and if a treatment system is effectively treating discharge.

• Conducts investigations of environmental conditions to determine compliance with permit conditions.

• Conducts investigations and completes follow up surveys of pollution incidents and fish kills.

• Conducts investigations of nonpoint source impacts on stream biota and recommended methods to reduce nonpoint source pollution.

• Provides expert opinions and testimony in legal proceedings.

• Provides technical expertise to agency staff, other agencies, local officials, partner organizations, watershed groups, school groups, and the public on departmental policies and environmental impact.

• Presents training to agency staff, other agencies, local officials, partner organizations, watershed groups, school groups, and the public on watershed monitoring and assessment activities.

• Collects biological, physical, and chemical field samples.

• Conducts laboratory examinations of samples to identify and assess the health of wetland vegetation, aquatic macroinvertebrates, fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

• Interprets biological, physical, and chemical data.

• Inputs results of data assessments into databases and geographic information systems.

• Assembles, organizes, and analyzes results of investigations.

• Prepares comprehensive written scientific and technical reports of environmental reviews and supporting documentation.

• Develops geographic information system maps, combines data layers, and conducts spatial analysis.

• Reviews wetland, stream, and aquatic ecosystem mitigation plans in conjunction with permit applications; and monitors compliance with plans.

• Prepares or reviews waterborne vector control plans.

• Implements waterborne vector control plans.

• Develops sampling and testing protocols, water quality standards, and biologic indicator values.

• Performs statistical analysis of data and utilizes biological and functional assessment models to determine trends in attaining water quality goals and in monitoring vector populations.

• Monitors grant and contract project work for compliance with plans and specifications.

• Serves as a lead worker for professional and other staff.

• Operates, calibrates, and maintains specialized scientific equipment.

• Operates motor vehicles and trailers to travel to remote field sites and project locations.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of aquatic biology relative to water quality, water pollution, watershed management, and aquatic biology.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of aquatic biological survey and sampling activities.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in the identification and classification of aquatic plants, fish, macroinvertebrates, and invertebrates.

• Knowledge of aquatic ecology, invertebrate zoology, microbiology, entomology, hydrology and soils, and botany related to water quality and aquatic biology.

• Knowledge of organic and inorganic chemistry related to water quality and aquatic biology.

• Knowledge of the use and care of laboratory and field equipment for aquatic biology work.

• Knowledge of research methods and techniques.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used to collect and identify aquatic biota.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used to assemble, organize, and present technical and scientific data.

• Knowledge of mathematic and statistical methods used in biological data gathering, analysis, and presentation.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of statistical software.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to read and interpret written materials.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle to travel to remote field sites or project locations.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year as an Aquatic Biologist 1 (commonwealth title);

or

• One year of professional experience in aquatic biology or water pollution biology and 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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of a valid motor vehicle license.