Aquatic Biologist Supervisor

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks an Aquatic Biologist Supervisor to lead a statewide team protecting streams, wetlands, and aquatic resources. The role involves regulatory reviews, field investigations, and providing technical guidance to staff and partners, ensuring compliance with environmental laws.

You will oversee aquatic biology work supporting permitting and compliance, with travel within the state and potential telework options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological science or related field, with coursework in freshwater aquatic biology or related areas.
• Two years as an Aquatic Biologist 2 or three years of aquatic biology/water pollution biology experience with relevant degree.
• Equivalent combo of experience and training including specified aquatic science coursework.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Biologists: assign work, guide performance, coordinate training.
• Review permit applications for regulatory compliance (Chapter 105/106, 401 certifications).
• Conduct field investigations of streams and wetlands to verify compliance with laws.
• Provide technical guidance on statutes and regulations to staff and partners.
• Monitor environmental data and maintain statewide records for reporting.

Skills

Aquatic biology

Team supervision

Regulatory knowledge

Field investigations

Data interpretation

Education

Biological science degree

Related coursework (freshwater biology)

Job description

As an Aquatic Biologist Supervisor with the Department of Environmental Protection, you will lead a team that helps safeguard streams, wetlands and aquatic resources statewide. This role allows you to apply your expertise to reviews, investigations, and public guidance. You will play a key part in protecting sensitive ecosystems while supporting regulatory programs. It is a rewarding opportunity to help preserve the natural resources that Pennsylvanians depend on.

This role oversees aquatic biology work that supports permitting, compliance, and environmental protection across the state. It brings together scientific review, coordination, and supervision to ensure projects follow regulations and protect water resources. As an Aquatic Biologist Supervisor, you will perform the following duties:

• Supervise Biologists: Assign work, guide staff performance and coordinate training for aquatic biology duties
• Review Permit Applications: Evaluate environmental assessments and ensure submissions follow regulations and policies, primarily for Chapter 105/106 permitting and 401 Water Quality Certifications for large or complex projects.
• Conduct Field Investigations: Lead inspections of streams, wetlands, and encroachments to confirm compliance with laws
• Provide Technical Guidance: Interpret statutes and regulations and assist staff, consultants, and agencies with program requirements
• Monitor Environmental Data: Track impacts, review mitigation results, and maintain records for statewide reporting needs
• Support Compliance Actions: Assist enforcement staff by advising on wetland resources, restoration plans, and regulatory strategies

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.
• Some travel may be required

• You will have the option to work from one of the following headquarter offices:

  • Rachel Carson State Office Building - 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
  • Northcentral Regional Office - 208 West Third St, Suite 101, Williamsport, PA 17701
  • Northeast Regional Office - 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
  • Southeast Regional Office - 2 East Main Street, Norristown, PA 19401
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-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. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• 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:

• Two years as an Aquatic Biologist 2 (commonwealth title); or
• Three years 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 Requirements:

• This position requires possession of 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 not subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding.

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:
  • 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.
  • 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.
• 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
• Reinstatement(Former civil service employees may only be reinstated to the job title from which they resigned. Current civil service employees are not eligible through reinstatement.)

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 2
  • Fisheries Biologist 2, PFBC
• 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 classes 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.