Aquatic Biologist 1 (Limited- Term)

Salary

$26.57 Hourly

Location

Luzerne County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Limited Term Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-50257-14710

Department

Department of Environmental Protection

Division

EP NERO Clean Wtr

Opening Date

05/27/2026

Closing Date

6/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

14710

Position Number

50703654

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

B4

Pay Group

ST06

Bureau / Division Code

0035/4260

Bureau / Division

EP NERO Clean Water

Worksite Address

Northeast Regional Office

Worksite Address

2 Public Square

City

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

18701

Contact Name

Susan Kreiser-Array

Contact Email

View email address on click.appcast.io

THE POSITION

As an Aquatic Biologist 1 for the Department of Environmental Protection, you will be part of a team dedicated to understanding and improving water quality. This position blends outdoor fieldwork, laboratory tasks, and scientific analysis to support statewide environmental goals. You will gain valuable experience studying lakes and streams and helping identify environmental concerns. It is a rewarding opportunity for someone who wants to make a difference in water protection.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on studying the health of aquatic environments by collecting field data, analyzing biological samples, and preparing technical findings. The work helps protect water quality by identifying impacts from pollution, supporting environmental decisions, and providing accurate scientific information. As an Aquatic Biologist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Field Studies: Conduct field surveys to assess how waste discharges affect aquatic life in lakes and streams
• Water Quality Surveys: Collect samples and document conditions to evaluate stream uses, fish health, and pollution impacts
• Lab Analysis: Examine biological samples under microscopes and classify organisms based on pollution tolerance
• Data Reporting: Compile investigation results and prepare technical reports and recommendations
• Interagency Coordination: Work with partner agencies to conduct joint lake and stream studies
• Permit Review: Evaluate permit applications for aquatic treatments and provide recommendations

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time, limited-term employment (6 months)
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 3:30 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 an active motor vehicle license.

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.

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.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative

Required

Preferred

Job Industries

• Other