NATURAL RESOURCES BIOLOGIST II Stranding Response Biologist

State of Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Maryland seeks a Natural Resources Biologist II to support the Stranding Response Program in Oxford, MD. You will assist the program director with responses to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles and manage protected species projects aimed at conserving threatened species.

The role includes field and laboratory activities, data entry, training volunteers, and coordinating with federal partners. Some after-hours and outdoor work may be required.

Qualifications

• Four years of professional experience conducting research and analysis in biology or related fields.
• Two years of experience performing professional biological work in natural resources management.

Responsibilities

• Assist SRP Director with response to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles.
• Assist in standardized necropsy procedures and tissue sample processing.
• Enter results of field and laboratory examinations into databases for disease investigations.
• Support volunteer network, provide training, and assist with data analysis.
• Present findings at scientific meetings and outreach events.
• Maintain stranding response hotline and monitor Maryland’s Stranding Tracker.
• Coordinate with federal agencies and regional stranding partners.
• Prepare and ship samples to diagnostic laboratories and maintain inventory and equipment.

Skills

Field work

Data entry

Laboratory/ necropsy procedures

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field

Tools

Databases

Job description

Main Purpose of Job

The primary purpose of this position is two-fold: 1) Assist the Stranding Response Program Director with various aspects of the Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Stranding Response Program (SRP) and 2) Conduct stranding response and manage protected species projects contributing to the conservation of threatened and endangered species. The position relates to the mission of DNR by contributing to sustainable populations of living resources and aquatic habitats within the state of Maryland through conserving threatened and endangered marine mammal and sea turtle species and monitoring of all natural resources for health and disease. Additionally, this position allows for a collaborative effort between state and federal government, as it supports federal initiatives concerning protected species.

Introduction

Natural Resource Biologist II

GRADE

STD0015

LOCATION OF POSITION

Oxford, Maryland (Talbot County)

Main Purpose of Job

The primary purpose of this position is two-fold: 1) Assist the Stranding Response Program Director with various aspects of the Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Stranding Response Program (SRP) and 2) Conduct stranding response and manage protected species projects contributing to the conservation of threatened and endangered species. The position relates to the mission of DNR by contributing to sustainable populations of living resources and aquatic habitats within the state of Maryland through conserving threatened and endangered marine mammal and sea turtle species and monitoring of all natural resources for health and disease. Additionally, this position allows for a collaborative effort between state and federal government, as it supports federal initiatives concerning protected species.

POSITION DUTIES

The Department of Natural Resources’ Stranding Response Program, located in Oxford, Maryland is currently accepting applications for a Natural Resources Biologist II. This position will assist the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Response Program Director with response to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles, assist in the execution of standardized necropsy procedures, secure and process tissue samples, write necropsy/incident reports, and organize and enter the results of field and laboratory examinations into databases for disease investigations on federally protected, threatened, and endangered animals. This position will also assist with the Stranding Response Program’s volunteer network, will provide training to volunteers and agency collaborators, assist with data analysis, and present findings at scientific meetings, network meetings, and public outreach events. Additional duties include sharing the responsibility of the stranding response hotline, planning and coordinating responses, daily monitoring of Maryland’s Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Tracker, participating in regular meetings with federal agencies and Greater Atlantic Region Stranding Network partners, preparing and shipping samples to diagnostic laboratories, and maintaining the tissue inventory, laboratory, stranding response vehicle, and field equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Four years of professional experience conducting research and analysis in the fields of biology, biochemistry, environmental science, natural science, natural resources management, botany, marine biology, marine ecology, physical oceanography, ichthyology, fisheries management, wildlife management or zoology and two years of experience in performing professional biological work in the field of natural resources management.

Notes

• Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental aquaculture, natural science, natural resources management, botany, marine biology, marine ecology or physical oceanography, ichthyology, fisheries management, wildlife management, zoology, or a natural resources management related field of study from an accredited college or university and two years of experience in performing professional biological work in the field of natural resources management for the required experience.
• Candidates may substitute graduate education beyond a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a natural resources related field of study as described above at the rate of 15 graduate credit hours for one year of the required experience.
• Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in the natural resources management and biological sciences classifications or natural resources management and biological sciences specialty codes in the wildlife biology field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Selective Qualifications

• Candidate has 1 year experience with federally protected, threatened, and endangered marine animals, stranding response and/or necropsy, securing tissue and microbiological samples, recording and entering data accurately into digital records and databases, and experience with training and/or outreach.

Desired Or Preferred Qualifications

• Candidate possesses a working knowledge of good laboratory practices such as the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and proper safety protocols when handling laboratory tools, equipment, and biological waste.
• Candidate should have the ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted and be willing to work outdoors under harsh weather conditions.
• Candidate possesses a high level of interpersonal communication and organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Candidate has a high level of commitment and flexibility with regards to scheduling to accommodate the unpredictable nature of stranding response, which can occur after hours, on weekends, and on holidays (on occasion)

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.