NATURAL RESOURCES BIOLOGIST II (Stranding Response Biologist)

Introduction

Natural Resource Biologist IIÂ

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 Resourcesâ 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 Programâs 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 Marylandâs 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.Â

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:Â 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:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelorâs 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. Â

2. 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. Â

3. 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.Â
• Candidate should have the ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted and be willing to work outdoors under harsh weather conditions.Â
• 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.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your minimum qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates may be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Your application is part of the examination process. The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of this position. The rating will be based on the information provided on your application. Therefore, it is important you provide all the experience and education related to this position completely and accurately.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application is strongly preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Department of Natural Resources, Human Resources, 580 Taylor Avenue, C-3 Annapolis, MD 21401. The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.

Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application.

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management at Application.Help@maryland.gov ; ATTN: Recruitment and Examination Division. Please note, standard business hours for the help desk are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Inquiries made after hours will be reviewed the following business day.Â

If you need to make adjustments to a submitted application before the announcement deadline or if you have general inquiries regarding this recruitment, please contact Alexandra Gast at Alexandra.gast@maryland.gov

Supplemental materials and/or edits to your application will not be accepted once the announcement deadline has passed. Candidates will only be able to submit an application once, so it is extremely important that you are following the application instructions.

Please provide ample time to complete the application template. If you are having technical difficulties submitting an application on the day of the deadline, it is strongly advised that you complete the JobAps physical application template and hand deliver to DNR - HRS at 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401 before 4:30 p.m. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources cannot guarantee that late submissions, as a result of technical difficulties, will be accepted.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

Candidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the Stateâs diversity.