Aquatic Biologist 2

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks an Aquatic Biologist 2 to support environmental biological testing and statewide vector management. You will examine arthropods and aquatic organisms, identify specimens, and help develop standard operating procedures.

This role involves sample prep, taxonomy, data entry, and collaboration with staff. Occasional coordination and training support for seasonal staff may be required, with a standard 7:00 AM–3:00 PM schedule and no telework option.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological science or related field, with coursework in aquatic biology or related areas.
• One year of professional experience in aquatic biology or water pollution biology, or equivalent combination.
• Valid motor vehicle license required.

Responsibilities

• Sample preparation: receive and prepare arthropod samples for analysis using established methods.
• Laboratory identification: identify arthropods to genus, species, and sex using taxonomic keys.
• Data reporting: record taxonomy results and contribute to statewide databases.
• Program coordination: participate in program activities, literature reviews, and development of SOPs.

Skills

Motor vehicle license

Aquatic biology experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological science or related field

Job description

As an Aquatic Biologist 2 with the Department of Environmental Protection, you can build a meaningful career in environmental science. This role lets you investigate patterns in nature and support statewide programs that protect public health. Your work will help guide decisions that shape safer and healthier environments. Bring your curiosity and commitment to a mission that matters.

This position supports environmental biological testing and statewide vector management activities. The work focuses on examining arthropods and aquatic organisms to help assess public health risks and guide environmental decisions. As an Aquatic Biologist 2, you will perform the following duties:

• Sample Preparation: Receive and prepare arthropod samples for analysis using established program methods
• Laboratory Identification: Conduct microscopic examination and identify arthropods to genus, species, and sex using taxonomic keys
• Skill Development: Collaborate with colleagues to strengthen taxonomic skills and ensure accurate and consistent identifications
• Training Support: Guide seasonal staff and interns in proper taxonomic techniques and review their work for accuracy
• Data Reporting: Record taxonomy results, calculate biological metrics, and contribute information to statewide databases
• Program Coordination: Participate in program activities, literature reviews, and development of standard operating procedures

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 will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non‑negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

• 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 Requirement

• All positions require possession of a valid 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.

This position is subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding. If no applicable union-covered bidders apply, other applicants may be considered.

• Seniority rights apply for Aquatic Biologist 1s
• Seniority/Promotion Unit: P39

You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations.

Recruitment Methods

• Applicants must meet one of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy:
  • Seniority Promotion
• When the collective bargaining obligation(s) have been met; then the following recruitment methods may be used:
  • Promotion Without Exam
  • Reassignment(Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment.).
  • Transfer (Only current civil service employees who hold the same job title will qualify for transfer to another agency.).
  • Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.
  • Voluntary Demotion

Promotion Without Examination (PWOE)

• Class Restrictions for Promotion Without Examination Only - You must have or have held regular civil service status in one of the following classifications:
  • Aquatic Biologist 1
• Employees who previously held regular civil service status in the job title of the position being filled are also eligible for promotion without examination.
• The promotion without examination requirements are issued in accordance with merit system employment regulations.
• Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.
• Applicants must have a minimum of one year in the next lower class by the posting closing date with no break in service.

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.