Aquatic Biologist 1 (Limited Term)
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Aquatic Biologist 1 (Limited Term)
Salary
$26.57 Hourly
Location
Dauphin County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Limited Term Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2026-40107-14710
Department
Department of Environmental Protection
Division
EP Bur Pmt Coordntn
Opening Date
01/15/2026
Closing Date
1/29/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
14710
Position Number
Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.
Union
AFSCME
Bargaining Unit
B4
Pay Group
ST06
Bureau / Division Code
4700
Bureau / Division
Field Operations, Program Integration Office
Worksite Address
2575 Interstate Drive
City
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
17110
Contact Name
OA, CE DEP
Contact Email
RA-DEPJobs@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
If you have a strong passion for environmental conservation and are eager to embark on a career as an Aquatic Biologist 1, the Department of Environmental Protection is on the lookout for a dedicated individual like you. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a vital field that focuses on the health of our aquatic ecosystems. By joining our enthusiastic team, you will play a crucial role in initiatives aimed at safeguarding Pennsylvania's natural resources and promoting sustainability for future generations. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the preservation of our environment, we encourage you to submit your application today! Together, we can strive towards a healthier planet.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position is a temporary technical role focused on vector biology within the Laboratory Section of Vector Management. The primary responsibilities include the taxonomic identification and isolation of black flies, ticks, and mosquitoes, which are crucial for the Black Fly Suppression, Tick Surveillance, and West Nile Virus Control Programs. Accurate identification is vital for isolating specific mosquito species that act as vectors for various pathogens, enabling effective testing. The resulting data plays a critical role in evaluating the risks posed to human health from mosquito exposure in the environment. Additionally, this information is invaluable for internal staff and county partners, as it aids in understanding species distribution and abundance, which are essential for making informed control decisions. The Aquatic Biologist will also support the collection of arthropod samples from a statewide surveillance network, manage data entry, and sort macroinvertebrates to assess water quality.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD_NEOGOV.asp?p=50701903) .
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time, limited-term employment (6 months) without benefits
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.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
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/credits.
Special Requirement:
This position requires possession of a valid motor vehicle license.
Other Requirements:
You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnot 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.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
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.
You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.
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 visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?
Yes
No
02
If you answered "Yes", please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered "No", @type N/A in the text box below.
03
Have you successfully completed, or are within three months of completing, a bachelor's degree with a major in a biological science, natural science, environmental science, or natural resource management? 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 upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitinghttps://www.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services link.
Yes
No
04
If you are within three months of completing a bachelor's degree with a major in a biological science, natural science, environmental science, or natural resource management, on what date do you expect to graduate?
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 upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitinghttps://www.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services link.
Yes
No
06
How much college coursework have you completed in a biological science, natural science, environmental science, or natural resource management?
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 your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitinghttps://www.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services link.
A conferred Bachelor's degree or higher
120 or more credits
90 but less than 120 credits
60 but less than 90 credits
30 but less than 60 credits
Less than 30 credits
None
07
How many years of full-time paraprofessional or technical level experience do you possess in a biological science, natural science, environmental science, or natural resource management?
4 years or more
3 but less than 4 years
2 but less than 3 years
1 but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
None
08
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 experiencemustalso 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.
09
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. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe 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 experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .
Yes
10
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - COLLECT WATER SAMPLES
Collect water samples from lakes and streams for testing to measure water quality parameters (chemical, physical, and bacteriological); identify specific sampling sites (using USGS topographic map interpretation and GPS equipment) when samples are taken, and include the physical attributes of sampling sites; and use applicable equipment and sampling procedures/techniques necessary for the collection of water samples.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have professional experience performing the duties listed above.
B. I have one year of graduate coursework directly related to this work behavior.
C. I have successfully completed undergraduate courses or internships relevant to the duties and equipment described in this work behavior.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
11
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The @type(s) of water samples you collected.
The equipment and sampling procedures you used to collect samples.
The equipment and methods you used to identify sampling sites.
12
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours
13
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - COLLECT BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES
Collect macro-invertebrates, aquatic plants, plankton, fish, and vector samples from aquatic ecosystems for examination to assess the quality of aquatic resources from which the samples are drawn, or to determine population estimates; identify specific sampling locations, the time samples were taken, and physical attributes of the sampling sites (such as aquatic/riparian habitats and watershed land use); and use quantitative and qualitative macro-invertebrate or vector sampling equipment, electro-fishing devices, nets, dredges, buckets, portable weighing scales and measuring boards, soil augers, and applicable sampling procedures.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have professional experience performing the duties listed above including using the instruments and equipment described.
B. I have one year of graduate coursework directly related to this work behavior.
C. I have successfully completed undergraduate courses or internships relevant to the duties and equipment described in this work behavior.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
14
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The @type(s) of biological samples you collected.
The equipment and sampling procedures you used to collect samples.
The equipment and methods you used to identify sampling sites.
15
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours
16
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - CONDUCT WATER SAMPLE TESTING
Test water samples in the field to measure lake and stream parameters, (e.g., temperatures, pH, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, and residual chlorine); read meters, interpret readings, and complete related forms regarding readings taken including descriptions of environmental factors which might affect the readings (e.g., atmospheric conditions, recent weather conditions, time of year, and time of day); use portable meters such as pH meters, dissolved oxygen meters, water velocity meters, and applicable testing procedures; and perform routine operator maintenance and calibration procedures on all field meters.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have professional experience performing the duties listed above including using the instruments and equipment described.
B. I have one year of graduate coursework directly related to this work behavior.
C. I have successfully completed undergraduate courses or internships relevant to the duties and equipment described in this work behavior.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
17
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The meters you used for sample testing.
The variables (temperatures, pH, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, and residual chlorine) for which you tested.
18
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours
19
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - EXAMINE AND PROCESS BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES
Examine, sort, and process biological samples to identify the @types and numbers of aquatic organisms (such as fish, plants, plankton, and macro-invertebrates) or vector organisms (such as mosquitoes, blackflies and ticks) within the samples; complete related forms detailing results of identification and counting processes; use dissecting and compound microscopes, solutions, measuring devices, and taxonomic keys; and conduct visual examination.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have professional experience performing the duties listed above including using the instruments and equipment described.
B. I have one year of graduate coursework directly related to this work behavior.
C. I have successfully completed undergraduate courses or internships relevant to the duties and equipment described in this work behavior.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
20
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The biological samples you examined, sorted, and processed.
The @type(s) of equipment you used to examine, sort, and process biological samples.
21
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours
22
WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - CALCULATE BIOLOGICAL INDICES AND METRICS
Calculate biological indices and metrics to reflect biological conditions of aquatic ecosystems from which samples are taken using data obtained from field or laboratory examinations, basic algebra, statistical formulae, and population estimates.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have professional experience performing the duties listed above including using the mathematical techniques described.
B. I have one year of graduate coursework directly related to this work behavior.
C. I have successfully completed undergraduate courses or internships relevant to the duties and mathematical techniques described in this work behavior.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
23
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The mathematical techniques you used to calculate biological conditions.
24
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours
25
WORK BEHAVIOR 6 - GENERATES GIS-RELATED OUTPUT
Utilizes GIS applications to generate GIS-related output such as maps, charts, graphics, websites, and other visualizations for customers involved in aquatic biology and vector control projects.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have professional experience performing the duties listed above.
B. I have one year of graduate coursework directly related to this work behavior.
C. I have successfully completed undergraduate courses or internships relevant to the duties and applications described in this work behavior.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
26
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your actual duties related to utilizing GIS applications
Your level of responsibility.
27
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov
