Natural Resources Biologist II

State of Maryland•Talbot, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Stranding Response Program in Oxford, Maryland, is hiring a Natural Resources Biologist II. The role supports the Stranding Response Program Director and responds to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles, contributing to conservation of threatened and endangered species and monitoring natural resources for health and disease. It also supports federal initiatives for protected species through collaboration between state and federal agencies. The position assists with standardized necropsies, tissue sampling and processing, preparation of reports, and organization and entry of field and laboratory findings into databases used for disease investigations. It also supports the volunteer network through training and outreach, assists with data analysis, and presents findings at scientific and network meetings and public events. Additional work includes sharing hotline coverage, coordinating responses, monitoring the Maryland Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Tracker, participating in meetings with federal agencies and network partners, preparing and shipping samples, and maintaining the tissue inventory, laboratory, response vehicle, and field equipment.

Requirements

Four years of professional research and analysis experience in a listed biological, environmental, natural science, natural resources, or related field, and two years of professional biological work in natural resources management; specified education, graduate coursework, or qualifying U.S. Armed Forces experience may substitute as described in the posting.
One year of experience with federally protected, threatened, and endangered marine animals; stranding response and/or necropsy; securing tissue and microbiological samples; accurately recording and entering data into digital records and databases; and training and/or outreach.
A valid Maryland motor vehicle operator’s license is required if assigned duties involving operation of a motor vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of good laboratory practices, including use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety protocols for laboratory tools, equipment, and biological waste.
Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds unassisted and willingness to work outdoors in harsh weather conditions.
Strong interpersonal communication and organizational skills, with ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Commitment and scheduling flexibility to accommodate unpredictable stranding responses, which may occur after hours, on weekends, and on holidays.

Responsibilities

Assist the Stranding Response Program Director with responses to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles.
Assist with standardized necropsy procedures and secure and process tissue samples.
Prepare necropsy and incident reports and enter field and laboratory examination results into databases for disease investigations.
Assist with the Stranding Response Program volunteer network and provide training to volunteers and agency collaborators.
Assist with data analysis and present findings at scientific meetings, network meetings, and public outreach events.
Share responsibility for the stranding response hotline and plan and coordinate responses.
Monitor Maryland’s Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Tracker daily.
Participate in regular meetings with federal agencies and Greater Atlantic Region Stranding Network partners.
Prepare and ship samples to diagnostic laboratories.
Maintain the tissue inventory, laboratory, stranding response vehicle, and field equipment.