Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 50669235	Description Activated On: 4/17/2025 1:04:55 PM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.

The Aquatic Biologist 1 position in the Black Fly Suppression Program is headquartered at the Moshannon District Mining Office in Philipsburg. The biologist is responsible for assisting the Program Aquatic Biologist Supervisor and staff in administering the Black Fly Suppression Program and all related activities.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

Assist Aquatic Biologists and other program staff with the planning and implementation of surveillance and treatment operations to control black flies. Includes the identification of spray locations, scheduling of treatment applications; and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments.

Samples streams and rivers for black fly larvae as well as conducting terrestrial sampling for black fly adults as assigned by the Program Aquatic Biologist Supervisor.
Assist with the laboratory examinations of biological samples to determine life stage, number, instar-class, sex, and species of black flies and other organisms present in the environment.

Maintain thorough and accurate records of all sampling and spray operations data to ensure program goals are met and spray operations stay within budgetary constraints.

Assist with the investigation of public complaints filed by phone, email, or through the Black Fly complaint system on the public website.

Assist with the collection of aquatic biological sampling (i.e. fish, macroinvertebrates, plants, and plankton) using DEP standardized biological field methods.

Assist with reconnaissance work in identifying suitable non-target macroinvertebrate sampling locations on streams treated for black flies.

Conduct water chemistry field sampling and laboratory analysis.

Conduct field and laboratory examinations of biological samples which includes the identification, quantification, and classification of organisms utilizing taxonomic keys.

Assist with the preparation of yearly reports on non-target sampling efforts.
Conduct field sampling for the Tick Surveillance Program utilizing appropriate sampling methodologies and equipment.

Maintain field sampling equipment and assigned Department vehicle.

Utilize computer equipment, systems and programs, including the use of email, Microsoft TEAMS, word processing, spreadsheets, and routinely input data into Department databases.

Generates GIS-related output of data collected in the field and prepares maps for biological surveys and black fly spray operations.

Promote the Departments Mission

Inputs appropriate data in a prescribed format to meet data quality standards set forth by guidance, training, and policy across all of DEP’s electronic data systems; to include ensuring accuracy and completeness of entries, and where available, the use of system specific tools to ensure duplicative entries and data quality issues are minimized.

Perform other job-related duties as requested by the Black Fly Suppression Program Aquatic Biologist Supervisor or Vector Management Group Manager.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

The employee is assigned to the Vector Management Program. The employee in this position is responsible for sharing data and working in conjunction with the Black Fly Aquatic Biologist Supervisor in Williamsport to review their decisions on scheduling sampling and determining when and where to conduct spray operations for black flies.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   Class C Driver's License

2.   OTHER

3.   N/A

4.   N/A

5.   N/A

6.   N/A

Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.

1.	Utilizes the principles and practices of aquatic biology relative to water quality, water pollution and watershed management.
2.	Read and interpret laws, regulations, and technical data.
3.	Safely and legally trailer and operate kayaks, canoes and motor boats
4.	Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
5.	Express ideas clearly and concisely in oral, written, and graphic form.
6.	Maintain effective working relationships with associates, public officials, other agencies and management.
7.	Negotiate rough and uneven terrain.
8.	Operate a personal computer employing the Department’s electronic data and communication systems.
9.	Adhere to appropriate safety standards and procedures when working in or around waterways.
10.	Lift and carry up to 50 lbs.