Address
Form of workSalary: $56,900.00 - $86,514.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2024-77384-14720
Department: Department of Environmental Protection
Division: EP Bur Cln Wtr Wtr Qlty Div
Opening Date: 03/20/2024
Closing Date: 4/3/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 14720
Position Number: 00080646
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: B4
Pay Group: ST07
Bureau / Division Code: 00353840
Bureau / Division: Bureau of Clean Water, Water Quality Division
Worksite Address: 400 Market Street
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17101
Contact Name: OA, CE DEP
Contact Email: RA-DEPJobs@pa.gov
THE POSITION
The Department of Environmental Protection is looking for someone wo is committed to safeguarding the well-being of Pennsylvania's residents and environment. You will play a crucial role in the Standards Section of the Water Quality Division, ensuring that the state's water quality standards align with relevant state and federal regulations, as well as current scientific knowledge. If you are eager to advance in your career, we currently have an exciting opening for the position of Aquatic Biologist 2, which could be the perfect fit for you. Don't miss out on this opportunity - seize the chance and submit your application today to join our esteemed team!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
Your primary responsibilities of this role involve supporting the three main pillars of water quality standards, which are protected water uses, water quality criteria, and an antidegradation policy. This includes tasks such as developing, interpreting, and maintaining water quality standards to protect fish, aquatic life, human health, and other uses of Commonwealth surface waters. Additionally, your role involves reviewing proposed state and federal regulations related to water quality issues and preparing draft comments and recommendations for supervisor review. You may also participate in regulatory development committees as necessary.
Another aspect of your role is assisting in the development of guidance and regulations for the implementation of water quality standards and criteria, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and requirements. You will also be responsible for responding to requests for current or historical information on stream use designations, water quality criteria, antidegradation, and other components of water quality standards. Furthermore, your role includes reviewing and providing guidance on draft study plans for the development of site-specific water quality criteria, as well as assisting in the review and approval of final site-specific criteria reports.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
Special Requirement:
Other Requirements:
How to Apply:
Veterans:
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
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.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
You may only apply/test once for this posting. Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short !
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Do you possess a valid driver's license which is not under suspension?
02
If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please provide your license number and expiration date. If you answered "No", type N/A in the text box below.
03
Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as an Aquatic Biologist 1 for one or more years full-time?
04
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05
Have you completed six or more semester college credits in freshwater aquatic biology, aquatic ecology, aquatic botany, water pollution biology, entomology, limnology, or closely related aquatic science coursework?If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer "yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.
06
How much full-time professional experience do you possess in aquatic biology or water pollution biology?
07
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
08
How much graduate coursework have you completed in aquatic biology, aquatic ecology, or water pollution biology?If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer "yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.
09
CS-INSTRUCTIONS You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experien...
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2024-77384-14720
Department: Department of Environmental Protection
Division: EP Bur Cln Wtr Wtr Qlty Div
Opening Date: 03/20/2024
Closing Date: 4/3/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 14720
Position Number: 00080646
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: B4
Pay Group: ST07
Bureau / Division Code: 00353840
Bureau / Division: Bureau of Clean Water, Water Quality Division
Worksite Address: 400 Market Street
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17101
Contact Name: OA, CE DEP
Contact Email: RA-DEPJobs@pa.gov
THE POSITION
The Department of Environmental Protection is looking for someone wo is committed to safeguarding the well-being of Pennsylvania's residents and environment. You will play a crucial role in the Standards Section of the Water Quality Division, ensuring that the state's water quality standards align with relevant state and federal regulations, as well as current scientific knowledge. If you are eager to advance in your career, we currently have an exciting opening for the position of Aquatic Biologist 2, which could be the perfect fit for you. Don't miss out on this opportunity - seize the chance and submit your application today to join our esteemed team!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
Your primary responsibilities of this role involve supporting the three main pillars of water quality standards, which are protected water uses, water quality criteria, and an antidegradation policy. This includes tasks such as developing, interpreting, and maintaining water quality standards to protect fish, aquatic life, human health, and other uses of Commonwealth surface waters. Additionally, your role involves reviewing proposed state and federal regulations related to water quality issues and preparing draft comments and recommendations for supervisor review. You may also participate in regulatory development committees as necessary.
Another aspect of your role is assisting in the development of guidance and regulations for the implementation of water quality standards and criteria, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and requirements. You will also be responsible for responding to requests for current or historical information on stream use designations, water quality criteria, antidegradation, and other components of water quality standards. Furthermore, your role includes reviewing and providing guidance on draft study plans for the development of site-specific water quality criteria, as well as assisting in the review and approval of final site-specific criteria reports.
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.
- This position requires travel for conferences, trainings, meetings, and field work.
- Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 3 days a week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
- 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.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
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:
- This position requires 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 and click on Residency.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
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.
Veterans:
- 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.
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.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
- 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.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short !
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Do you possess a valid driver's license which is not under suspension?
- Yes
- No
02
If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please provide your license number and expiration date. If you answered "No", type N/A in the text box below.
03
Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as an Aquatic Biologist 1 for one or more years full-time?
- Yes
- No
04
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05
Have you completed six or more semester college credits in freshwater aquatic biology, aquatic ecology, aquatic botany, water pollution biology, entomology, limnology, or closely related aquatic science coursework?If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer "yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.
- Yes
- No
06
How much full-time professional experience do you possess in aquatic biology or water pollution biology?
- A. 1 year or more
- B. 6 months but less than 1 year
- C. Less than 6 months
- D. None
07
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
08
How much graduate coursework have you completed in aquatic biology, aquatic ecology, or water pollution biology?If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer "yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.
- A. 30 credits or more
- B. Less than 30 credits
- C. None
09
CS-INSTRUCTIONS You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experien...
