JOB TITLE: AQUATIC BIOLOGIST SUPERVISOR

JOB CODE: 14730

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

DEFINITION: This is professional supervisory work in the field of aquatic biology.

An employee in this job supervises professional staff in a field office who are engaged in conducting comprehensive evaluations to assess aquatic communities and the quality of surface waters, including streams, lakes, and wetlands; or supervises a professional staff in the central office who are engaged in the design and development of technical training and outreach programs in support of statewide watershed monitoring and assessment activities. Work involves supervising Aquatic Biologists and coordinating the activities of the assigned organization with other organizational units; determining specific program goals, objectives, and priorities; evaluating and improving the effectiveness of the assigned program; and developing, implementing, or recommending changes to regulations, policies, and procedures. Work is assigned in the form of program goals and objectives, and the employee exercises considerable independence and judgment in planning, scheduling, and completing the work. Work is reviewed by an environmental manager upon completion for attainment of goals and objectives and for overall quality.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is differentiated from the lower levels by the responsibility for supervising Aquatic Biologist 1 and 2 positions.

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, coordinates, and supervises scientific studies to assess aquatic communities and water quality in lakes, streams, and wetlands.

• Reviews and recommends action on in-stream water quality criteria for permits in accordance with department regulations.

• Supervises the development, design, planning, and conduct of a variety of field investigations, biological surveys, and ecological studies of aquatic habitat and environmental conditions.

• Implements monitoring strategies for the protection, restoration, or replacement of wetland resources.

• Conducts and supervises investigations and surveys related to pollution incidents and fish kills to determine the effects on water quality.

• Supervises a biological laboratory and the taxonomic classification and analysis of biological samples.

• Plans, coordinates, and supervises environmental assessment and suppression efforts of vector management programs.

• Supervises the design and development of technical training and outreach programs, including the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of aquatic habitats and communities, in support of statewide watershed monitoring and assessment activities.

• Supervises the preparation of detailed technical reports outlining the results of field studies and investigations.

• Provides technical advice and expert testimony for enforcement cases, including the limits, bounds, and value of wetland resources.

• Coordinates regional water quality program activities with other agencies.

• Recommends changes in water quality policies, regulations, and standards related to aquatic biology.

• Facilitates the exchange of information with program managers, subordinates, facility operators, watershed organizations, and the public.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• Employees in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

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

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

• Knowledge of the impact of water, sewage, and industrial waste treatment, and nonpoint source pollution on aquatic biology.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used to collect, 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)

• Two years as an Aquatic Biologist 2 (commonwealth title);

or

• Three years 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 valid motor vehicle license.