IntroductionThis is a contractual, position specific recruitment for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage. This recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies for the position and may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification/function. Future vacancies may also be filled via other recruitments. The resulting eligible list will be maintained for one year.
One (1) Long-Term Contractual Vacancy; Full-time; 12 Month Contract
GRADE 13
LOCATION OF POSITION 580 Taylor Ave., Annapolis
Main Purpose of Job This position reviews and assesses biological and conservation data and incorporates the data into the Natural Heritage Program's (NHP) centralized geographic information system (GIS), Biotics. Biological data for nongame and endangered species, natural communities, and natural areas is collected from numerous sources and must be assessed for accurate integration into the central data system according to methodology and quality control standards developed by NatureServe and the network of Natural Heritage Programs. This position is needed to ensure the backlog of data awaiting entry into Biotics can be processed in a timely manner, especially for federally-listed species. Advances in technology have allowed the maintenance and transfer of spatial information through GIS to become standard within governmental organizations and central to the activities, strategies, and objectives of the Department of Natural Resources.
This position works closely with the Natural Heritage Information Manager to integrate data for rare, threatened and endangered species, species of greatest conservation need, natural communities, and related conservation and protection information, as well as assisting the Information Manager with answering inquiries and requests for these data.
This position also assists the WHS Environmental Review Coordinator with requests for project reviews from various customers, including consultants, other government agencies, and other Units within DNR. WHS receives over 2000 requests annually and this position is needed to ensure those requests are handled in a timely manner, as well as assisting with changes in technology.
Other duties include assisting staff with GIS questions, providing limited training when appropriate, and assisting with field work and other field-related projects, as needed.
This position is essential to provide a scientific basis for decision-making regarding the conservation and management of Maryland's rare and endangered species and their habitats. Information is provided not only to personnel from WHS and other DNR units, but also to other state Natural Heritage Programs; federal, State and local government agencies; and private companies, organizations and individuals to help ensure the wise stewardship of the State's biota and natural areas.
POSITION DUTIES The Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service's Natural Heritage Program in Annapolis, is currently accepting applications for a Long-Term Contractual Natural Resources Biologist I to serve as a Data Specialist. This position is central to the core function of the Natural Heritage Program and works closely with the Natural Heritage Information Manager to provide accurate data to Program staff, other government agencies, and the public.
This position reviews and integrates biological and conservation data into various geographic information systems(GIS), primarily Biotics, developed by NatureServe and the Natural Heritage Network. Biological data for rare and endangered species, natural communities, and natural areas is collected from numerous sources and must be assessed and accurately processed into the central data system using standard methodology.
This position also assists the Environmental Review Coordinator with requests for review of development plans; develops and maintains various GIS data layers and applications; processes requests for information; answers staff GIS and data inquiries; and may assist with the development of new applications and protocols using the latest mobile and aerial technology for efficient collection and transfer of data. Additional duties may include field surveys for rare species and natural communities, as well as assistance with land management activities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSExperience: 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.
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 for the required experience.
2. 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 - Bachelor's degree in environmental science, conservation biology, ecology, wildlife biology, zoology, or one of the closely related fields listed under the minimum qualifications requirement on this job bulletin.
- Experience with the Biotics data system, which is used by NatureServe and the Natural Heritage Network.
- Experience and proficiency with various database programs, GIS programs, field data collection apps, and related programming languages, such as MS Access, Oracle, various ArcGIS versions, Survey123, Field Maps, SQL, R, and Python.
- Knowledge of and interest in the conservation of the plants, animals, and natural areas of Maryland or the mid-Atlantic region.
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 qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not accept information submitted after this date. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all education and experience related to the essential functions and qualifications of this position.
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.
BENEFITSContractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.
Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.
*Should benefits be available, this will be discussed at the time of hire
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS The 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 hrsrecruitment.dnr@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.
