Biologist II

maine; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 63,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Vacation leave

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Gym membership reimbursement

Flexible Spending Accounts

Public Service Student Loan Forgival?

Job summary

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection's Marine Unit seeks a Biologist II to lead monitoring and research in estuarine and marine waters. You will characterize, assess, protect and restore these waters, supporting the Marine Environmental Monitoring Program.

Responsibilities include supervising technical staff, developing methods, reviewing permits, and communicating findings to partners and the public. Travel on small boats is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Wildlife Management, or related field and three years' experience in laboratory or field research of fish and wildlife including experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Directly related work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Purchase and maintain monitoring equipment.
• Implement quality management procedures.
• Conduct water, sediment and biological monitoring.
• Manage and analyze data.
• Develop new methodologies.
• Review permits.
• Assist in reporting to address State and Federal water quality program needs.
• Assist in the development and implementation of biological assessment methods and criteria for estuarine and marine waters, and coastal wetlands.
• Create and update communication materials and provide program information and outcomes to partners and the public.
• Supervise technical staff.

Skills

Biology

Supervisory experience

Team collaboration

Data analysis

Communication skills

SCUBA certification

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Wildlife Management, or related field

Advanced degree in marine biology or ecology

Job description

BIOLOGIST II

Opening Date: October 5, 2026

Closing Date: End of day October 25, 2026

Location: Augusta

Position Number: 08300-1931

Position Type: Full Time

Class Code: 9352

Grade: 25 (Supervisory Services)

Salary: $63,286.50 - $89,377.91 Per Year* (This includes a 5.5% Salary Adjustment)

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION

This position will characterize, assess, protect and restore Maine's estuarine and marine waters in the Marine Unit of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Water Quality Management, Division of Environmental Assessment. This position provides a leadership role in monitoring and research that supports the Marine Environmental Monitoring Program (Title 38, Section 410-F).

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS

• Purchase and maintain monitoring equipment.
• Implement quality management procedures.
• Conduct water, sediment and biological monitoring.
• Manage and analyze data.
• Develop new methodologies.
• Review permits.
• Assist in reporting to address State and Federal water quality program needs.
• Assist in the development and implementation of biological assessment methods and criteria for estuarine and marine waters, and coastal wetlands.
• Create and update communication materials and provide program information and outcomes to partners and the public.
• Supervise technical staff.

The position requires extended in-state, seasonal travel and work time on small boats.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Wildlife Management, or related field -AND- three (3) years' experience in laboratory or field research of fish and wildlife including experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Directly related work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preference will be given to applicants with the following skills or experience

• Advanced degree focused on marine biology or ecology, biological or chemical oceanography, or related field.
• Knowledge of biological and ecological principles particularly as related to estuarine and marine habitats.
• Experience supervising technical staff and overseeing field staff and project implementation.
• Ability to work as part of a team, with flexibility to shift focus as needed to accomplish program goals.
• Experience conducting water, sediment and/or biological monitoring aboard small boats on exposed coastal waters.
• Ability to keep organized and detailed records.
• Ability to manage and interpret multiple and large data sets.
• Experience with statistical analyses and data visualizations.
• Ability to communicate effectively through technical writing, scientific presentations, and public outreach events.
• Ability to develop and implement work plans and quality management documentation.
• Active SCUBA certification with scientific diving experience.
• A passion for environmental work and collaborating with staff and partners to protect Maine's tidal waters.

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage - The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60 -$14,369.04 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit - Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements .
• Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan - The State of Maine contributes at least 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement - Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts - Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness - The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more informatio

For more information, contact Angela Brewer at [phone] or at [e-mail].