Aquatic Biologist 2

THE POSITION

The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking motivated individuals committed to safeguarding the health, safety, and natural resources of Pennsylvania. If you are ready to advance your Commonwealth career and make a meaningful impact as an Aquatic Biologist 2, we encourage you to apply and join our dedicated team.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position serves as an Aquatic Biologist 2 within the South-central Region's Dam Safety, Waterways & Wetlands Section, supporting the Waterways and Wetlands Program in coordination with the Bureau of Clean Water. The role is responsible for conducting environmental reviews, evaluating permit applications, and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws governing dams, water obstructions, and encroachments. It also manages Clean Water infrastructure projects funded through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), provides technical support to applicants, and contributes to statewide waterway management initiatives. Work may extend across multiple regions as needed and may include mentoring or guiding less experienced staff.

Key Duties

• Conducts environmental reviews and evaluates applications for dam, water obstruction, and encroachment permits in accordance with the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act and Chapter 105 regulations.
• Interprets and analyzes environmental data to support permitting decisions under the supervision of the Water Quality Specialist Supervisor.
• Manages Clean Water infrastructure projects funded through the SRF Program and BIL, ensuring compliance with applicable environmental statutes.
• Supports DEP and PENNVEST in administering the State Revolving Loan Fund, including assisting potential applicants and identifying funding opportunities.
• Performs environmental review duties related to statewide waterway management programs under the Dam Safety and Encroachment Act, Clean Streams Law, and Floodplain Management Act.
• Provides technical and administrative guidance to junior or less experienced staff as assigned.
• May be assigned a specific geographic area and is responsible for carrying out major program duties within those counties.

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.
• This position may require travel on an as-needed basis.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 3 days per week. 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 in Harrisburg. 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as an Aquatic Biologist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year 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 Requirement:

• This position requires possession of a valid motor vehicle license.

Other Requirements:

• You must possess and maintain a REAL ID or passport for this position. Proof of possession will be needed at the time of a conditional offer of employment.
  
• 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.

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.

How to Apply: