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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
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Position Number: 50697525 |
Description Activated On: 8/26/2026 1:33:38 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. A. This position functions as an Aquatic Biologist 2 in the Waterways Engineering and Wetlands (WW) Program in the North Central Regional Office (NCRO) under the supervision of the Aquatic Biologist Supervisor. B. The primary responsibility of this position will be to conduct environmental reviews of water obstruction and encroachment permit applications in accordance with the Dam Safety and Encroachment Act and the rules and regulations promulgated in Chapters 105, 102, 106, and 93. Some of the work may require specialization in water obstructions and encroachments associated with transportation projects. C. Investigation and resolution of complaints involving unauthorized water obstructions and encroachments. D. Permit decisions and recommendations will be based on interpretations, assessments, and analysis of data included in permit applications, field documentation, technical references, and comments from government agencies and public entities. |
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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. A. Essential to the primary responsibilities of this position will be the ability to: 1. Review permit applications for environmental impacts and recommend action 2. Respond to complaints and determine appropriate restoration and resolution for unauthorized work 3. Identify wetlands using the “Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual” B. Permitting duties of this position require the ability to: 1. Represent the Waterways and Wetlands Program during permit coordination meetings 2. Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), program guidance documents, and clarification memos 3. Characterize the potential environmental impact of the proposed regulated activity 4. Use technical information to determine environmental impact 5. Conduct wetland surveys, field investigations, and ecological studies of aquatic habitat 6. Review, analyze, apply, and interpret environmental criteria for water obstructions and encroachments 7. Provide detailed alternatives analysis guidance and review 8. Review needs analysis, avoidance and minimization measures, and mitigation plans 9. Determine if applications are compliant with the regulations 10. Draft deficiency letters with regulatory citations 11. Review permit applications and prepare record of decisions 12. Enter appropriate data into eFACTS for permit reviews and inspections 13. Conduct investigations/inspections of permitted activities to verify compliance C. Transportation project reviews will also require the ability to: 1. Participate in agency coordination and scoping meetings 2. Provide environmental guidance on projects 3. Use KEES to download and review transportation applications 4. Provide training on water resource issues as they relate to transportation projects D. Complaints and compliance-related responsibilities of this position include: 1. Conduct field investigations for complaints and/or unauthorized activities 2. Gather information on wetlands and watercourses for use in the development of restoration plans specific to the impacted resource 3. Identify impacts and violations, complete wetland data sheet(s) if wetland impacts were identified, develop appropriate responses, document the investigation, enter information into eFACTS, and coordinate with compliance staff 4. Review restoration plans to ensure adequacy and conduct follow up site inspections related to the implementation of those plans 5. Prepare appropriate compliance and enforcement documentation for enforcement cases and milestones to resolve violations 6. Provide expert testimony in judicial proceedings for legal actions 7. Assist county conservation districts with the identification of regulated waters and the resolution of violations E. Communication responsibilities of this position include: 1. Consult and coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies concerning environmental evaluation and review of regulations 2. Assist county conservation district staff with regulatory requirements and appropriate permitting 3. Respond to general inquiries regarding environmental regulations 4. Develop and maintain productive working relationships with state and federal agencies for the purpose of improving coordination of regulatory enforcement 5. Attend and participate in staff meetings 6. Prepare letters, reports, and correspondence to exchange information, both internally and externally 7. Respond to written email messages and telephone calls in a timely and professional manner F. Administrative responsibilities of this position include: 1. Prepare a work schedule according to established priorities and maintain an itinerary of the work schedule in Outlook 2. Provide copies of all inspection reports to management 3. Maintain a list of site visits and pre-application meetings 4. Provide right-to-know and file review request documents to the file review coordinator and/or Office of Chief Counsel 5. Coordinate program activities between other Commonwealth agencies, consultants, local government, the public, and project stakeholders 6. Assist in the preparation of case history documentation for use by legal staff or field personnel for case prosecution 7. Contact legal staff to discuss cases and to seek clarification on rules and regulations 8. Follow the records retention and filing policy 9. Complete required training in a timely manner G. Other responsibilities of this position: 1. Promotes and exemplifies the Department’s Mission, Vision, and Values in all aspects of work performance and professional conduct. 2. Advances DEP’s strategic priorities through collaboration, commitment to data-driven decision-making, delivery of high-quality customer service, and active participation in modernization and continuous improvement initiatives. 3. Inputs, maintains, and updates data in prescribed formats to meet data quality standards established through guidance, training, policy, and procedure across all DEP electronic data systems. Responsibilities include ensuring the accuracy, completeness, consistency, and integrity of all entries, as well as utilizing available system tools and validation processes to minimize duplicate records and data quality issues. 4. Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures, guidance, and training requirements related to assigned duties and DEP electronic data systems. 5. In conjunction with the supervisor, participates in knowledge management and knowledge transfer efforts by identifying key aspects of assigned duties and proactively sharing knowledge with other employees to support continuity of operations and organizational effectiveness. 6. Develops, maintains, and annually updates a comprehensive desk manual documenting essential duties, standard operating procedures, workflows, system processes, key contacts, reference materials, and other critical operational information necessary to support continuity of operations and effective knowledge transfer. Employees are responsible for ensuring desk manuals remain accurate, current, and accessible in accordance with Department requirements. 7. Employee will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties required by management. |
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. Work is typically assigned by geographical area. Assignments are completed with considerable independence on prioritizing work, scheduling meetings, investigating complaints, and conducting other assigned duties. The supervisor evaluates work performance in accordance with the Employee Performance Review process. |
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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. N/A 3. N/A 4. N/A 5. N/A 6. N/A |
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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
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