Aquatic Biologist 2

Are you driven to protect aquatic ecosystems and guide decisions that shape water resources across the region? The Aquatic Biologist 2 position with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) offers a chance to safeguard Pennsylvania’s waterways through scientific review and field investigation. This role allows you to evaluate permit applications, study aquatic habitats, and support important environmental decisions. You will work with data, field documentation, and regulatory standards to help preserve our natural resources. Apply today for a meaningful opportunity to contribute to environmental health and public trust!

This position supports the Waterways Engineering and Wetlands Program by reviewing environmental impacts, conducting field investigations, and evaluating regulated activities. As an Aquatic Biologist 2, you will perform the following duties: Permit Review: Assess applications for water obstructions and encroachments and determine environmental impacts Field Investigation: Conduct wetland surveys, evaluate aquatic habitats, and investigate complaints or violations Regulation Analysis: Interpret criteria and apply regulatory standards to proposed activities and restoration plans Interagency Coordination: Consult with federal, state, and local agencies to support environmental review and compliance Documentation Preparation: Draft deficiency letters, prepare reports, and maintain accurate regulatory records Compliance Support: Review restoration plans, provide guidance on violations, and participate in enforcement actions 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. 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 Williamsport. 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.

This position supports the Waterways Engineering and Wetlands Program by reviewing environmental impacts, conducting field investigations, and evaluating regulated activities. As an Aquatic Biologist 2, you will perform the following duties:

Permit Review: Assess applications for water obstructions and encroachments and determine environmental impacts

Field Investigation: Conduct wetland surveys, evaluate aquatic habitats, and investigate complaints or violations

Regulation Analysis: Interpret criteria and apply regulatory standards to proposed activities and restoration plans

Interagency Coordination: Consult with federal, state, and local agencies to support environmental review and compliance

Documentation Preparation: Draft deficiency letters, prepare reports, and maintain accurate regulatory records

Compliance Support: Review restoration plans, provide guidance on violations, and participate in enforcement actions

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description .

QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: One year as an Aquatic Biologist 1 (commonwealth title); 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: All positions require possession of a valid motor vehicle license. Other Requirements: 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. This position is subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding. If no applicable union-covered bidders apply, other applicants may be considered. Seniority rights apply for Aquatic Biologist 1s Seniority/Promotion Unit: P14 You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations. Recruitment Methods: Applicants must meet one of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy: Seniority Promotion When the collective bargaining obligation(s) have been met; then the following recruitment methods may be used: Promotion Without Exam Reassignment ( Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment .) Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher. Transfer ( Only current civil service employees who hold the same job title will qualify for transfer to another agency.) Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher. Promotion Without Examination (PWOE): Class Restrictions for Promotion Without Examination Only - You must have or have held regular civil service status in one of the following classifications: Aquatic Biologist 1 Employees who previously held regular civil service status in the job title of the position being filled are also eligible for promotion without examination. The promotion without examination requirements are issued in accordance with merit system employment regulations. Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher. Applicants must have a minimum of one year in the next lower class by the posting closing date with no break in service. How to Apply: Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date . Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted. Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information. Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

One year as an Aquatic Biologist 1 (commonwealth title); 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:

All positions require possession of a valid motor vehicle license.

Other Requirements:

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.

This position is subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding. If no applicable union-covered bidders apply, other applicants may be considered.

Seniority rights apply for Aquatic Biologist 1s

Seniority/Promotion Unit: P14

You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations.

Recruitment Methods:

Applicants must meet one of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy: Seniority Promotion

Seniority Promotion

When the collective bargaining obligation(s) have been met; then the following recruitment methods may be used: Promotion Without Exam Reassignment ( Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment .) Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher. Transfer ( Only current civil service employees who hold the same job title will qualify for transfer to another agency.) Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.

Promotion Without Exam

Reassignment ( Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment .) Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.

Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and

(b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.

Transfer ( Only current civil service employees who hold the same job title will qualify for transfer to another agency.) Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.

Promotion Without Examination (PWOE):

Class Restrictions for Promotion Without Examination Only - You must have or have held regular civil service status in one of the following classifications: Aquatic Biologist 1

Aquatic Biologist 1

Employees who previously held regular civil service status in the job title of the position being filled are also eligible for promotion without examination.

The promotion without examination requirements are issued in accordance with merit system employment regulations.

Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.

Applicants must have a minimum of one year in the next lower class by the posting closing date with no break in service.

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date . Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

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Yes

No

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03

04

05

06

07

1 year or more

6 months but less than 1 year

Less than 6 months

08

09

30 credits or more

Less than 30 credits

10

Required Question