Biologist II

Department of Environmental Protection•Augusta, ME

About The Position

This position uses limnological expertise to assess, protect and restore Maine lakes in the Lakes Assessment Section of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. This position leads or assists with logistics and planning of monitoring for multiple section projects, design of new projects, data management, and statistical/geographic analysis of data. The position may coauthor scientific peer-reviewed papers for publication and remains current with pertinent laws and scientific literature. The position interprets water quality data for the public and provides technical assistance to municipalities and lake conservation groups. The position supervises section staff and provides training support for the Lake Stewards of Maine’s Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Wildlife Management or related field -AND- three (3) years of experience in laboratory or field research of fish and wildlife including experience in a supervisory capacity.
Directly related work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
Knowledge of principles and practices of limnological research including lake monitoring, water quality assessment, trophic interactions, watershed effects, influences from atmospheric deposition, climate effects on lakes, habitat surveys, biological assessments, and cyanobacteria ecology.
Ability to utilize laboratory and field equipment used in limnological research, keep detailed records, interpret chemical/biological lake data, and write reports.
Proficiency with various statistical methods for the analysis of limnological data, including the ability to communicate technical findings to scientific colleagues, non-scientific lake groups, and the general public.
Proficiency with various computer software products and tools, such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access. Able to learn new software applications quickly.
Familiarity with GIS spatial analysis tools for limnological analyses of lakes and their watersheds.
Ability to work in a team environment with flexibility to shift focus as needed to accomplish goals of the bureau.
Ability to supervise professional, technical, and volunteer staff.
A passion for environmental work and being part of a team of scientists dedicated to protecting the lakes and ponds of Maine.

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to applicants having a thesis-based Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Limnology, Biology, Aquatic Ecology or a closely related field.
Familiarity with R programming language is preferred.

Responsibilities

Collects limnological data using boats and appropriate equipment, while following Standard Operating Procedures and departmental safety protocols.
Uses data tools (preferably with R programming language) to analyze data and produce visualizations to display results.
Creates detailed supporting reports of data analyses and interpretations as needed.
Uses GIS software to perform spatial analyses of lake and watershed data.
Creates, reviews, edits, and evaluates project documents, technical and scientific reports, and web-based data tools to support lake protection and restoration programs and disseminate information.
Assists in ongoing Lake Assessment Section research and helps develop new research projects as needed.
Trains seasonal support personnel and volunteers; designs, repairs and maintains field and laboratory equipment.
Interprets, explains, and promotes lake programs, policies, data, and concerns to the public, other agencies, and private organizations.

Benefits

Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements .
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes at least 14.11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office .
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave . Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act .
Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness