Aquatic Biologist II

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • West Boylston, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for an Aquatic Biologist II to perform duties related to the aquatic biology program, which conducts environmental monitoring of a public water supply. This role involves collecting and analyzing data on various aquatic life, interacting with stakeholders for treatment timing and consultant management, and assisting with data acquisition and reporting for the annual water quality report. The position requires the ability to operate watercraft and work both independently and in group settings.

Requirements

• At least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, para-professional or technical experience in marine biology or fisheries management work, of which (B) at least one year must have been in a professional capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
• A Bachelor's degree with a major in marine, fisheries or wildlife biology; fisheries or wildlife management; marine science or oceanography may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.
• A Graduate degree with a major in marine, fisheries or, fisheries or wildlife biology; fisheries or wildlife management; marine science or oceanography may be substituted for one year of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.
• Must be able to operate watercraft.
• This position requires an individual able to work independently and in group situations.

Nice To Haves

• Possess a Boating Safety Certificate or have the ability to obtain one
• Experience with freshwater systems, including reservoirs, lakes, ponds, streams, wetlands, and drinking water supply watersheds.
• Knowledge of aquatic ecology and limnology, including trophic dynamics, habitat assessment, nutrient cycling, algal blooms, macrophytes, benthic organisms, and fish communities.
• Experience conducting field surveys and biological monitoring, such as fish sampling, habitat assessments, aquatic vegetation surveys, macroinvertebrate sampling, shoreline surveys, or invasive species inspections.
• Familiarity with water quality monitoring, including collection, handling, QA/QC, and interpretation of parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, turbidity, nutrients, chlorophyll-a, bacteria, and Secchi depth.
• Experience with aquatic invasive species management, including identification, early detection, survey design, spread prevention, public outreach, and management planning.

Responsibilities

• Assists with all aspects of the aquatic biology program, which conducts environmental monitoring of a public water supply, by participating in the collection and analysis of data on plankton, nutrients, water column profiles, macrophytes, fish, and other aquatic life.
• Interacts with MWRA staff to determine timing of algal control treatments and to manage consultant contracts for control of invasive aquatic plants.
• Meets with MWRA staff and others regularly to discuss research proposals and to share data.
• Assists with data acquisition, labels and chain-of-custody forms, and bottle orders from MWRA Deer Island Lab for reservoir sampling.
• Assists with documentation of environmental conditions in the Wachusett Reservoir for the annual water quality report.
• Collect, identify, enumerate, and report on plankton from Wachusett Reservoir.
• Measure hydrographic parameter profiles (temperature, dissolved oxygen, etc.) as needed to characterize the Wachusett Reservoir water column and hydrodynamics of the Quabbin interflow therein. Upload profile results in electronic file formats; analyze and interpret the values.
• Participate in five-year cycle of major tasks: Conduct visual scouting surveys of watershed lakes and ponds (Year A) and extensive surveys of reservoir littoral zones (Year B) during the growing season to detect invasive aquatic species and plan for control or containment. Complete angler creel survey (Year C). Analyze results and produce a summary report of creel survey results. Expanded reservoir plankton/profile monitoring to investigate distribution/trends within the reservoir (Year D). Perform detailed analysis of historical data to identify trends and better understand population dynamics (Year E) and begin to produce a summary report of historical data.
• Assist with expansion of existing database on Wachusett Reservoir, enhance data accessibility and dissemination, and facilitate communication and sharing of data by analyzing and interpreting results of sampling programs and control efforts and documenting findings in annual or special reports. Assist in writing section on aquatic biology for annual WQ report.
• Help develop or modify sampling programs to reflect changing data needs and techniques.
• Ensure aquatic biology program data is reviewed, imported to the database, and flagged as necessary, in a timely manner. Ensure aquatic biology program SOPs and QAPP elements are adhered to.
• Work with MWRA and other stakeholders to characterize cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in the reservoir.
• Work with consultants to control existing populations of aquatic invasive species in Wachusett Reservoir and oversee management of Phragmites on the reservoir shoreline.
• Facilitate and conduct decontamination inspections for vessels/equipment entering the reservoir and support program of public education/outreach on threat from aquatic invasive species and fisheries management.
• Participate in meetings with MWRA, consultants, etc. when necessary.
• Collect nutrient samples quarterly from Wachusett Reservoir and deliver them to MWRA lab for analysis. Responsible for data acquisition, labels, chain-of-custody, and bottle orders from MWRA Deer Island Lab.
• Ensure hot water pressure washer is properly stored and operational to allow for decontamination of boats or equipment when needed.
• Assist with responses to information requests from other agencies and researchers.
• Continue routine zooplankton monitoring in the reservoir and monitoring of rivers to detect Didymo.
• Coordinate with MA F&W to continue ongoing project to collect and tag spawning lake trout in Wachusett Reservoir each fall.
• Assist with supervision of Aquatic Biologist I and/or seasonal Aquatic Biologists.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits
• outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package
• work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level