Aquatic Biologist 1

Are you passionate about the environment and looking to kickstart your career as an Aquatic Biologist 1? The Department of Environmental Protection is actively searching for a motivated candidate who is eager to gain valuable experience in this field. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team and making a difference, do not hesitate to apply today! Together, we can work towards protecting Pennsylvania's precious environment and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

This is a limited-term technical position in the discipline of vector biology and functions in the Laboratory Section of Vector Management.

Your primary responsibility is the taxonomic identification and isolation of mosquitoes for the Mosquito Control Program. Accurate identifications are essential to isolating mosquitoes that serve as Vectors for specific pathogens for testing. Testing data are used to assess risks to human health associated with exposure to mosquitoes in the environment. This data also provides county partners with species information essential in determining control needs. In addition, you will also assist with receiving arthropod samples from a statewide network of surveillance sites, taxonomic identification of ticks and black flies (gnats) for the Tick Surveillance and Black Fly Suppression Programs, data entry and management, and sorting of stream macroinvertebrates to monitor steam quality.

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Limited-term, full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• 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.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• 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).
• This posting requires submission of a copy of your college transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You may upload your document as an attachment during the application process. You must still complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. All documents MUST be uploaded prior to the submission of your application.
• 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 will eliminate you from consideration for this position.

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.