Biologist II

MaineGuide; Augusta (ME); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance Coverage

Retirement Plan

Parental leave

Gym Membership Reimbursement

Paid holidays

Job summary

State of Maine in Augusta seeks a BIOLOGIST II to characterize and protect Maine’s estuarine and marine waters. The role leads monitoring and research within the Marine Unit of the DEP's Bureau of Water Quality Management, supporting the Marine Environmental Monitoring Program.

The position requires extended in-state travel, supervising technical staff, and providing program information to partners and the public. Salary ranges from $63,286.50 to $89,377.91 per year with a 5.5% adjustment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Wildlife Management, or related field with 3 years of lab or field research experience.
• Experience in supervisory capacity or leading staff.
• Directly related work experience may substitute 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 water quality program needs.
• Assist in developing biological assessment methods for estuarine and marine waters.

Skills

Team leadership

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Job description

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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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.

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

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.

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance– Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays,12 days of sick leave, and3+ weeks of vacation leaveannually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays85%-100%of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60 -$14,369.04 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costsfor 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 Officeof Employee Health and Wellness for more information aboutprogram requirements.
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributesat least 14.06%of payto 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 federalprogram. For more information, visit theFederal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program– Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receiveforty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under theFamily and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in aMaineSaves457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn aboutadditional wellness benefitsfor State employees from theOffice of Employee Health and Wellness

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. 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.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.