Aquatic Biologist 1

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Williamsport (Lycoming County); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks an Aquatic Biologist 1 in Williamsport to protect waterways through field sampling, species assessments and program support for black fly control. You will collect samples, analyze data and help ensure public health and recreational water quality.

The role offers a Monday–Friday schedule, possible telework, and a starting salary aligning with civil service pay scales. Training and learning opportunities accompany a meaningful environmental impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a biological or environmental science field with six credits in freshwater aquatic biology or related coursework.
• Equivalent experience with six college credits in aquatic science coursework accepted.
• Within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree is acceptable for meeting education requirements.
• Active motor vehicle license required.

Responsibilities

• Field sampling of black fly larvae, adults, fish, macroinvertebrates, aquatic plants and water data.
• Review species information, counts, life stages and treatment effectiveness records.
• Maintain clear records of sampling, spray operations and program data.
• Respond to public complaints in an organized, timely manner.
• Coordinate staff during sampling and contribute to reports and GIS mapping

Skills

Field Sampling

Data Review

Record Keeping

Public Response

GIS Mapping

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological/natural/environmental science or natural resource management

Six college credits in freshwater aquatic biology or related aquatic science coursework

Tools

GIS

Job description

Salary: $53,008.00 - $80,646.00 Annually

Location: Lycoming County, PA

Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number: CS-2026-59770-14710

Department: Department of Environmental Protection

Division: EP Vctr Mgmt Div

Opening Date: 09/30/2026

Closing Date: 10/13/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code: 14710

Position Number: 00085295

Union: AFSCME

Bargaining Unit: B4

Pay Group: ST06

Bureau / Division Code: 00351540

Bureau / Division: Bureau of Laboratories, Vector Management Division

Worksite Address: 208 West Third Street, Suite 101, Williamsport, Pennsylvania 17701

Contact Name: Julie Wolfrays

Contact Email: [e-mail]

THE POSITION

Step into a job where science meets real-world impact! As an Aquatic Biologist 1 with the Department of Environmental Protection, you will help keep waterways healthier and more enjoyable for everyone. You will collect samples, study aquatic life, and support black fly control operations. This position is ideal for someone who is eager to learn and ready for hands‑on environmental work. Bring your curiosity and motivation to a job where learning and impact go hand in hand!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This role supports statewide efforts to reduce nuisance black fly populations and protect public health and recreation. It involves field sampling, biological assessments, data evaluation, and coordination of suppression operations. As an Aquatic Biologist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Field Sampling: Collect field samples of black fly larvae, adults, fish, macroinvertebrates, aquatic plants, plankton, and water chemistry data using standardized methods
• Data Review: Review species information, abundance counts, life stages, and treatment effectiveness records to support program decisions
• Record Keeping: Maintain clear and accurate records of sampling activities, spray operations, and related program data
• Public Response: Respond to public complaints and inquiries in an organized and timely manner
• Operational Support: Coordinate staff during sampling activities and contribute to program reports, Geographic Information System mapping, and yearly assessments

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• 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 Williamsport. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $53,008.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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 three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Special Requirements:

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

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.