Biologist II

Department of Environmental Protection; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 63,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Vacation leave

Health Insurance Coverage

Retirement Plan

Gym Membership Reimbursement

Flexible Spending Accounts

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Parental leave

Job summary

Maine Department of Environmental Protection seeks a Biologist II to lead monitoring and research for the Marine Unit, focusing on estuarine and coastal waters. The role supports the Marine Environmental Monitoring Program and requires supervision of staff and field operations on boats.

The candidate will develop assessment methods, manage data, and communicate findings to partners and the public, with travel and seasonal field work expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Wildlife Management, or related field.
• Three (3) years’ experience in laboratory or field research of fish and wildlife including supervisory capacity.
• Preference for Advanced degree in marine biology/oceanography or related field.

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 state/federal needs.
• Assist in developing biological assessment methods for estuarine/marine waters.
• Create and update communication materials for partners and public.
• Supervise technical staff.
• In-state seasonal travel and work on small boats.

Skills

Biology

Field Research

Supervisory Experience

Data Analysis

SCUBA Certification

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology/Wildlife Management or related field

Advanced degree in marine biology/oceanography or related field

Tools

Monitoring equipment

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 information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program - Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave - All employees who are welcoming a child -including fathers and adoptive parents- receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation - Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

About Us

If you're looking for a fulfilling career that allows you to serve the public and make a difference, consider working with Maine State Government! Our departments boast an array of professions, including attorneys, biologists, correctional officers, equipment operators, engineers, human resources professionals, information technology experts, law enforcement officers, nurses, park rangers, social workers, and transportation workers. With more than 100 agencies, boards, and offices, Maine State Government is the perfect place to explore various industries and interests. Whether you're interested in finance or forestry, there's an opportunity for you to help make Maine an even better place to live.