Aquatic Biologist 2

THE POSITION

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!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

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: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $60,538.00 (before taxes).
• 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:

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.

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:

• 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 appli