Aquatic Biologist 2

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; McCandless (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework up to 3 days per week

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection seeks an Aquatic Biologist 2 to evaluate aquatic habitats, review permits, and support regulatory enforcement. The role emphasizes field investigations, data reporting, and collaboration with agencies and legal staff for water-related regulatory decisions.

The position includes a telework option up to 3 days per week, with traditional hours and a start salary of $60,538, subject to state employment terms.

Qualifications

• One year as an Aquatic Biologist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title).
• One year of professional experience in aquatic biology or water pollution biology with a bachelor’s degree in a biological or environmental science (including six credits in freshwater aquatic biology or related coursework).
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes six college credits in freshwater aquatic biology or related aquatic science coursework.

Responsibilities

• Field investigations: conduct aquatic habitat studies and prepare reports documenting environmental conditions.
• Permit analysis: evaluate water obstruction and encroachment applications using research, surveys, and regulatory criteria.
• Species consultation: coordinate with agencies to resolve issues related to threatened and endangered species.
• Enforcement support: prepare notices, assist legal staff, and participate in settlement discussions for violations.
• Technical guidance: provide recommendations on mitigation, restoration, and regulatory compliance.
• Data entry: use Department systems to input accurate information for tracking and reporting.

Job description

Would you enjoy a career focused on protecting Pennsylvania’s aquatic habitats by using science to guide important environmental decisions? The Aquatic Biologist 2 position with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) offers the exciting chance to safeguard waterways and support environmental decision-making. Within this role, you will evaluate aquatic habitats, review permit applications, and help ensure compliance with state regulations. This position allows you to use your expertise in the science field to make real impacts on natural resources throughout the Commonwealth. If you are someone who enjoys fieldwork, analysis, and collaboration, we want you on our team!

This position evaluates aquatic habitats, conducts technical environmental analyses, and supports regulatory enforcement for water-related activities. Your responsibilities will focus on field investigations, permit reviews, and collaboration with agencies and legal staff. As an Aquatic Biologist 2, you will perform the following duties:

• Field Investigations: Conduct aquatic habitat studies and prepare reports documenting environmental conditions
• Permit Analysis: Evaluate water obstruction and encroachment applications using research, surveys, and regulatory criteria
• Species Consultation: Coordinate with agencies to resolve issues related to threatened and endangered species
• Enforcement Support: Prepare notices, assist legal staff, and participate in settlement discussions for violations
• Technical Guidance: Provide recommendations on mitigation, restoration, and regulatory compliance
• Data Entry: Use Department systems to input accurate information for tracking and reporting

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 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 3 days per week. 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 Pittsburgh. 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 $60,538.00 (before taxes)
• 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 job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); 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:

• This position requirespossession 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.

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.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.