Introduction Natural Resource Biologist IV - Freshwater Mussel Hatchery Manager
GRADE 17
LOCATION OF POSITION Cedarville State Forest, Brandywine, MD (Charles County)
Main Purpose of Job The main purpose of this position is to manage Maryland's Freshwater Mussel Propagation and Restoration Program. This includes management of the mussel hatchery building, systems, property, and culture ponds (i.e., Freshwater Mussel Hatchery Complex). This is the largest mussel production facility in the state and produces multiple freshwater mussel species to meet resource management needs, including propagation of species for augmentation, reintroduction, or research projects. In addition to daily production activities, duties include development and refinement of new mussel and host fish propagation and culture techniques, and related mussel restoration research projects. Position collaborates extensively with DNR-Resource Assessment Service's Freshwater Mussel Monitoring and Assessment Program to mutually support Susquehanna River mussel restoration and other priority freshwater mussel conservation projects statewide. Program management duties include development of project budgets, management of capital projects and critical maintenance, management of physical plant, staff supervision, grants management, and supporting an operational management connection with the collocated Joseph Manning Hatchery.
POSITION DUTIES The Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Services is currently accepting applications for the Freshwater Mussel Hatchery Manager position [Natural Resources Biologist IV(Supervisor)]within the Freshwater Fisheries and Hatcheries Division.
The main purpose of this position is to develop and direct all aspects of the Department's new Freshwater Mussel Propagation and Restoration Program. This will include operation and maintenance of the State's only freshwater mussel hatchery to be constructed on the grounds of the Joseph Manning Fish Hatchery located in Brandywine, Maryland. Design and construction is expected to be complete in 2026. The freshwater mussel hatchery will be located on 180 acres of Fishing and Boating Service property and consist of a propagation and culture building with office and lab space, mussel culture ponds, fish culture ponds, a well-fed water supply, a domestic well, and a mobile aquatic animal propagation laboratory. The facility will produce native freshwater mussel species and host fish to meet multiple resource management needs, including, but not limited to, population augmentation, reintroduction, and research projects for species and ecosystem recovery projects. Restoration efforts will take place within the state and Chesapeake Bay watershed dependent upon funding levels and obligations.
The incumbent is also responsible for collaborating with appropriate internal and external partners to develop, implement, and update freshwater mussel restoration and propagation plans; develop and implement appropriate mussel health and genetic management plans; collect and care for mussel brood stock; conduct in situ, in vivo, and in vitro freshwater mussel propagation, primary and secondary mussel culture activities, and mark, stock, and assess cultured mussels; develop and refine new mussel and host fish propagation and culture techniques; pursue and acquire additional funding to advance the Department's and Program's mission; conduct education and outreach; and represent the Department on topics of freshwater mussel propagation and culture at meetings of professional society committees and workgroups involved in freshwater mussel restoration.
Program management duties include extensive budget development and tracking, management of capital and critical maintenance projects, management of the physical plant, including an operational connection with the Joseph Manning Fish Hatchery. The incumbent is also responsible for hiring and supervising biologists and technicians who assist in maintaining and operating the hatchery and carrying out the mission of the Freshwater Mussel Propagation and Restoration Program.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Experience: Four years of professional experience conducting research and analysis in the fields of biology, biochemistry, environmental science, natural science, natural resources management, botany, marine biology, marine ecology, physical oceanography, ichthyology, fisheries management, wildlife management or zoology and five years of experience in performing professional biological work in the field of natural resources management.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental aquaculture, natural science, natural resources management, botany, marine biology, marine ecology or physical oceanography, ichthyology, fisheries management, wildlife management, zoology, or a natural resources management related field of study from an accredited college or university and five years of experience in performing professional biological work in the field of natural resources management for the required experience.
2. Candidates may substitute graduate education beyond a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a natural resources related field of study as described above at the rate of 15 graduate credit hours for one year of experience for up to two years of the required experience.
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in the natural resources management and biological sciences classifications or natural resources management and biological sciences specialty codes in the wildlife biology field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Advanced degree (Masters or Doctoral Degree) in biology, aquaculture and/or fisheries science and management or relevant work experience in aquaculture and/or fisheries science and management.
- One year of experience with developing and managing a program or project budget
- One year of supervisory experience.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.
SELECTION PROCESSPlease make sure you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your minimum qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates may be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year. For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.
EXAMINATION PROCESSYour application is part of the examination process. The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of this position. The rating will be based on the information provided on your application. Therefore, it is important you provide all the experience and education related to this position completely and accurately.
BENEFITSSTATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITSFURTHER INSTRUCTIONSThe online application is strongly preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Department of Natural Resources, Human Resources, 580 Taylor Avenue, C-3 Annapolis, MD 21401. The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.
Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application.
If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management at Application.Help@maryland.gov ; ATTN: Recruitment and Examination Division. Please note, standard business hours for the help desk are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Inquiries made after hours will be reviewed the following business day.
If you need to make adjustments to a submitted application before the announcement deadline or if you have general inquiries regarding this recruitment, please contact Alexandra Gast at Alexandra.gast@maryland.gov
Please provide ample time to complete the application template. If you are having technical difficulties submitting an application on the day of the deadline, it is strongly advised that you complete the JobAps physical application template and hand deliver to DNR - HRS at 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401 before 4:30 p.m. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources cannot guarantee that late submissions, as a result of technical difficulties, will be accepted.
TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay
Candidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.
