Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleBiologist 1 (Aquatic) / Trainee 1 / 2 - NY HELPS
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $53764 to $85138 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Duties Description Under supervision, conduct fish population and fish habitat investigations; summarize and statistically analyze data; prepare technical reports and fisheries management plans and assist in the improvement of publicly valued fishery resources. The Biologist will communicate with various publics concerning fisheries management goals and objectives; review and analyze project proposals which are likely to alter fish habitat; and acquire public access for use and enjoyment of New York fishery resources.
Assist in the management of fishery and aquatic resources in western Finger Lakes region of New York State. This includes seven Finger Lakes, 92 miles of Lake Ontario shoreline and associated embayments and tributaries, several large rivers, and miles of both stocked and wild trout streams. Other regional fisheries management responsibilities including inland trout stream management, lake assessments and public outreach will be required. The successful candidate will also be assigned projects as part of Statewide initiatives and assist in other regional fishery assessments and analyses as assigned.
This position will be responsible for sea lamprey assessment, control, and reporting activities for Seneca Lake and its tributaries. Significant intra-agency and Federal agency coordination is required to perform necessary treatments.
Typical job duties include:
•Design, oversee and implement fishery assessments utilizing accepted scientific methods, prepare written reports summarizing results, and provide appropriate recommendations for the management of fishery resources.
•Utilize and/or oversee the safe use of standard scientific sampling gear such as boat and backpack electrofishers, gillnets, trapnets, fyke nets, and seines to collect data for use in aquatic assessments.
•Utilize various computer software programs such as Microsoft Office products and R to analyze data and prepare written reports.
•Assist in the development of regulations to accomplish measurable fisheries management goals and objectives.
•Prepare technical briefs, reports, and management plans in a timely manner and consistent with Bureau of Fisheries Policies and Procedures.
•Present results of fishery assessments at public meetings, angler constituency groups, and research conferences.
•Review environmental permits and mitigation plans and provide recommendations to Permit staff and applicants to ensure the conservation and protection of aquatic resources.
•Prepare appropriate permit applications necessary to conduct fisheries management activities.
•Coordinate fisheries management activities with appropriate local, state, and federal agencies.
•Provide technical advice to the public, sportsman groups and government organizations.
•Supervise Fish and Wildlife Technicians, seasonal staff, and volunteers.
•Participate in employee hiring and training within the region.
•Assist regional staff with various activities associated with management of natural resources within the region.
•Assist with DEC staff, law enforcement and Legal on violations and identifying remedial actions.
Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.
To be eligible for appointment under NY HELPS, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications below:
NON-COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor's or higher degree including or supplemented by 18 semester credit hours in acoustic sampling of fish populations, applied biostatistics for the biological sciences, aquaculture, aquatic ecology, aquatic entomology, aquatic habitat management, aquatic insects, biology of aquatic ecosystems, biology of aquatic invertebrates, biology of fishes, biological limnology, conservation biology (aquatic), creel and angler surveys, ecology of aquatic ecosystems, ecology of freshwater fishes, ecology of freshwater mussels, ecology of marine fishes, environmental statistics, fish behavior, fish biology, fish culture, fish diseases, fish nutrition, fish pathology, fish physiology, fish population dynamics, fish propagation, fish taxonomy, fisheries economics, fisheries science, fisheries techniques, fishery management, fishery management techniques, fishery resource management, fisheries seminar, fishery statistics, fluvial geomorphology, freshwater ecology, freshwater invertebrates, freshwater mussel biology, freshwater mussel identification, genetics of fish, ichthyology, lentic and lotic ecosystems, limnology, mathematical modeling of fish populations, marine fisheries management, marine fisheries science, perturbations of fishes, physical limnology, population ecology, principles of fishery science, principles of fishery management, production biology of aquatic (fishery) environments, phylogeny of fishes, quantitative ecology, radio telemetry of fishes, statistical methods in research, stream ecology, stream restoration, techniques of fishery science, or urban fishery management.
Examples of Non-Qualifying Courses: animal behavior, animal ecology, entomology, general oceanography, invertebrate zoology, marine pollution, physical oceanography, terrestrial ecosystems ecology, wetland systems.
COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC
or
Reinstatement Eligible - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis.
or
Transfer Eligible - One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 11 or higher and either:
Eligible for transfer under Section 70.4: Must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications - listed below;
or
Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: Permanent competitive service as a Fish and Wildlife Technician 2, Fish and Wildlife Technician 3, Biologist 1 (Aquatic), Biologist 1 (Ecology), Biologist 1 (Marine) or Biologist 1 (Wildlife).
55-b/55-c Candidates must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications below and include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55-b/55-c program.
Open competitive minimum qualifications (provided for 55b/c candidates and 70.4 transfer eligibles):
A bachelor's or higher degree including or supplemented by 18 semester credit hours in acoustic sampling of fish populations, applied biostatistics for the biological sciences, aquaculture, aquatic ecology, aquatic entomology, aquatic habitat management, aquatic insects, biology of aquatic ecosystems, biology of aquatic invertebrates, biology of fishes, biological limnology, conservation biology (aquatic), creel and angler surveys, ecology of aquatic ecosystems, ecology of freshwater fishes, ecology of freshwater mussels, ecology of marine fishes, environmental statistics, fish behavior, fish biology, fish culture, fish diseases, fish nutrition, fish pathology, fish physiology, fish population dynamics, fish propagation, fish taxonomy, fisheries economics, fisheries science, fisheries techniques, fishery management, fishery management techniques, fishery resource management, fisheries seminar, fishery statistics, fluvial geomorphology, freshwater ecology, freshwater invertebrates, freshwater mussel biology, freshwater mussel identification, genetics of fish, ichthyology, lentic and lotic ecosystems, limnology, mathematical modeling of fish populations, marine fisheries management, marine fisheries science, perturbations of fishes, physical limnology, population ecology, principles of fishery science, principles of fishery management, production biology of aquatic (fishery) environments, phylogeny of fishes, quantitative ecology, radio telemetry of fishes, statistical methods in research, stream ecology, stream restoration, techniques of fishery science, or urban fishery management.
Examples of Non-Qualifying Courses: animal behavior, animal ecology, entomology, general oceanography, invertebrate zoology, marine pollution, physical oceanography, terrestrial ecosystems ecology, wetland systems.
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.
Must be able to work in remote areas.
Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
Travel may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Weekends and holidays may be required.
Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
Must have certification to operate motorized boats or personal watercrafts at time of appointment.
Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.
We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...
For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.
Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address PostingResponses@dec.ny.gov
Address
Personnel, 10th Floor
Notes on ApplyingPlease email/mail your resume to the above. Be sure to include Vacancy #25-204579 on your letter/resume and also in the subject line of the email or it may not be accepted. Provide a copy of your college transcript with your reply. Unofficial copy is acceptable.