Occ. Code 6109001
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BIOLOGIST 1 (AQUATIC), GRADE 18 |
6109001 |
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BIOLOGIST 1 (ECOLOGY), GRADE 18 |
6111001 |
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BIOLOGIST 1 (MARINE), GRADE 18 |
6113001 |
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BIOLOGIST 1 (WILDLIFE), GRADE 18 |
6112001 |
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BIOLOGIST 2 (AQUATIC), GRADE 23 |
6109002 |
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BIOLOGIST 2 (ECOLOGY), GRADE 23 |
6111002 |
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BIOLOGIST 2 (MARINE), GRADE 23 |
6113002 |
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BIOLOGIST 2 (WILDLIFE), GRADE 23 |
6112002 |
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BIOLOGIST 3 (AQUATIC), GRADE 25 |
6109003 |
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BIOLOGIST 3 (ECOLOGY), GRADE 25 |
6111003 |
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BIOLOGIST 3 (MARINE), GRADE 25 |
6113003 |
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BIOLOGIST 3 (WILDLIFE), GRADE 25 |
6112003 |
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BIOLOGIST 4 (AQUATIC), M-3 |
6109004 |
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BIOLOGIST 4 (ECOLOGY), M-3 |
6111004 |
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BIOLOGIST 4 (WILDLIFE), M-3 |
6112004 |
New York State Department of Civil Service
Classification Standard
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS SERIES
Biologists perform professional level biological conservation work to protect and manage New York States fish, wildlife and marine species, and to protect, manage and restore their habitats. These positions are classified in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and are assigned to central and to regional offices throughout New York State.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
BIOLOGIST 1 (all parenthetic titles): full performance level; typically work under the supervision of a Biologist 2; may supervise technical staff, while performing professional level biological conservation work within the specialty identified by the parenthetic. Biologists 1 are expected to develop scientific expertise in the biological characteristics and conservation of selected fish and wildlife species; apply theories and principles of fish, wildlife and marine resources management to the protection and restoration of specific species and/or habitats; evaluate ecological conditions and data to make recommendations; prepare original writing of complex scientific and technical information; recruit, supervise, train and evaluate subordinates; prepare regulatory and management documents; have frequent interaction with the public, often on controversial issues; prepare for and attend public meetings and/or adjudicatory hearings; and perform administrative functions related to the expenditure of public resources, including the development and management of grants and contracts.
BIOLOGIST 2 (all parenthetic titles): first supervisory level; when classified in DECs regional offices, positions typically function as regional managers within their specialty; when classified in the central office, positions function as unit managers, overseeing one or more programs within their parenthetic specialty and supervising the work of subordinate Biologists and other professional, technical and/or scientific positions. Positions in the Marine parenthetic are classified in Regions 1, 2 and 3 and function as regional managers, supervising the work of subordinate Biologists and other professional, technical or scientific positions. Biologists 2 are typically supervised by a Biologist 3 within the parenthetic specialty in the central office, or by a Regional Supervisor Natural Resources in the regions.
BIOLOGIST 3 (all parenthetic titles): second supervisory level; when classified in DECs central office, positions function as section managers within their specialty areas and oversee various units staffed by Biologists 2 and other professional, technical or scientific positions that function as first level supervisors of a unit. Biologists 3 are typically supervised by a Biologist 4 within the parenthetic specialty.
BIOLOGIST 4 (all parenthetic titles): management level; when classified in DECs central office, positions function as bureau managers within their specialty areas and oversee various sections and units staffed by Biologists 3 and other professional, technical or scientific positions that function as second level supervisors of units and sections. Biologists 4 typically report to the Director or the Assistant Director of the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources.
RELATED CLASSES
Fish and Wildlife Technicians perform a variety of technical assignments to support the management of New York State fish, wildlife, and marine resources. In addition, they provide information on the conservation, use, and management (including propagation programs) of these resources to the public; and they implement direct management actions to benefit fish, wildlife, and marine resources and the habitat needed to support those resources. They are generally supervised by Biologists.
Environmental Program Specialists perform professional level program development and support functions in various program areas of the Department of Environmental Conservation. Incumbents work in areas where an engineering or specific scientific background is not required, but where environmental program technical skills will assist the Division in meeting its goals. In this capacity, incumbents in these positions serve as the link between engineering/scientific and administrative program areas.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
BIOLOGIST 1 (AQUATIC), under general supervision, conducts fish population and fish habitat investigations; reviews and proposes fisheries research in support of the maintenance, restoration and protection of fish species and their habitats; summarizes and statistically analyzes data; prepares technical and scientific reports to inform the aquatic policies of the State; provides technical assistance to the public; prepares fisheries management plans and assists in the improvement of publicly valued fishery resources; communicates with various public groups concerning fisheries management programs; implements Department programs to recruit and retain anglers; reviews and analyzes project proposals which are likely to alter fish habitat; and helps provide public access for use and enjoyment of New York fishery resources.
BIOLOGIST 2 (AQUATIC), typically under the supervision of a Biologist 3 (Aquatic), serves as the head of a unit staffed by Biologists 1 and other professional, scientific and technical staff; provides high level professional and administrative assistance in the coordination of aquatic habitat acquisition and management by the State; coordinates special projects funded by the State and federal agencies; coordinates fishing access and species management programs; participates in and guides public outreach and education; assists in management planning, including annual work plans and budgets; and oversees federal grants that promote angler recruitment and retention and that support fisheries management and research programs.
BIOLOGIST 3 (AQUATIC), typically under the supervision of a Biologist 4 (Aquatic), serves as section head and supervises units consisting of Biologists 2, Biologists 1 and other staff; assists in the preparation, review, development and implementation of policies and procedures for a program area; provides direction and oversight to staff members to ensure compliance with management plans, including annual work plans; establishes workload priorities consistent with the annual work plan; performs the full range of supervisory duties for subordinates; and prepares and manage the sections annual budget.
BIOLOGIST 4 (AQUATIC), reports to the Director or the Assistant Director of the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources; serves as bureau chief and supervises sections managed by a Fish Culturist 6 and Biologists 3, and staffed by Biologists 2, and Biologists 1 and other staff; has statewide responsibility for the administration, supervision, and direction of the fisheries management program within the Division; and supervises and directs fisheries management, research and propagation programs, as well as bureau planning, programming and budgeting.
BIOLOGIST 1 (ECOLOGY), under general supervision, conducts and coordinates the review and evaluation of impact assessments for chemical and physical disturbances to fish and wildlife habitat, and recommends permit conditions, restoration actions or other mitigation solutions; assesses natural resources damage; conducts field investigations to compile information pertaining to resource impacts of various projects; identifies mitigation action plans and evaluates the effectiveness of mitigation; monitors environmental conditions for the protection of fish and wildlife resources; conducts risk assessments to quantify the effects of contaminants on fish and wildlife and develops procedures, guidance, standards and criteria to protect fish and wildlife in their habitats; and prepares technical and scientific reports, conducts analysis of data and documents findings.
BIOLOGIST 2 (ECOLOGY), typically under the supervision of a Biologist 3 (Ecology), serves as the head of a unit staffed by Biologists 1 and other professional, scientific and technical staff; oversees staff review of habitat protection permit applications and environmental impact assessments; oversees development of restoration plans; oversees development of standards and criteria for protection of fish and wildlife; develops an annual work plan; prepares guidance documents and SOPs for efficient program function; manages fiscal and personnel resources within the unit; coordinates with the regions for management of a statewide program; and has responsibility for planning, budgeting and personnel functions.
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BIOLOGIST 3 (ECOLOGY), typically under the direction of the Biologist 4 (Ecology), serves as section head and supervises units consisting of Biologists 2, and Biologists 1; responsible for the administration, supervision and direction of specific portions of the habitat protection, habitat restoration, and ecological monitoring and assessment programs; advises subordinate staff in the training, recruitment and evaluation of staff; directs the preparation, review, and implementation of policies and procedures for the program area; provides direction and oversight to staff members to ensure compliance with program goals; establishes workload priorities consistent with the annual work plan; performs the full range of supervisory duties for subordinates; and prepares and manages the sections annual budget and controls expenditures.
BIOLOGIST 4 (ECOLOGY), reports to the Director or the Assistant Director of the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources; serves as bureau chief and supervises several sections managed by Biologists 3, and a staff of Biologists 2, and Biologists 1; has statewide responsibility for the administration, supervision, and direction of the habitat protection, habitat restoration and ecological monitoring and assessment programs in the Division; participates in decision-making for management of the Division; oversees development of policies, procedures and guidance for the identified program areas; manages the overall budget allocations and personnel resources for the Bureau; advises and supports the Director and the Assistant Commissioner for Natural Resources. .
BIOLOGIST 1 (WILDLIFE), under general supervision, designs, conducts and assesses scientific research and management programs to evaluate health, status and distribution of wildlife populations; develops scientific expertise in the biological characteristics and conservation of selected wildlife species; inventories and documents the condition of wildlife habitats; develops and implements wildlife management plans; promotes public appreciation and recreational use and enjoyment of wildlife resources; implements the Departments sportsmen education programs, including the recruitment and retention of hunters and trappers; assists in the resolution of wildlife management problems; reviews, analyzes and makes recommendations on project proposals to minimize impacts on wildlife populations and critical habitats; and recommends regulatory actions to secure wildlife populations and habitats.
BIOLOGIST 2 (WILDLIFE), typically under the supervision of a Biologist 3 (Wildlife), serves as the head of a unit staffed by Biologists 1 and other technical staff; provides high level professional and administrative assistance in the coordination of wildlife habitat acquisition and management of state lands; provides coordination of wildlife research conducted by staff or contractors; oversees federal grants to support wildlife management programs; coordinates hunting, trapping and species management programs; in smaller regions, may be responsible for regional fish and wildlife programs within specialty; and has responsibility for planning, budgeting and personnel functions.
BIOLOGISTS 3 (WILDLIFE), typically under the supervision of a Biologist 4 (Wildlife), serves as section head and supervises units consisting of Biologists 2, and Biologists 1; develops, implements and directs major program areas for wildlife, with responsibility for program planning, budgeting and personnel management; assists in the development of regulations pertaining to the use and management of wildlife; leads the development of statewide wildlife management plans; assists in the preparation, review, and implementation of policies and procedures for a program area; provides direction and oversight to staff members to ensure compliance with goals; establishes workload priorities consistent with the annual work plan; performs the full range of supervisory duties for subordinates; and prepares and manages the sections annual budget and monitors expenditures.
BIOLOGIST 4 (WILDLIFE), reports to the Director or the Assistant Director of the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources; serves as bureau chief and supervises several sections managed by Biologists 3, and a staff of Biologists 2, and Biologists 1; has statewide responsibility for the administration, supervision, and direction of the wildlife management program in the Division; supervises and directs wildlife management, research and propagation programs, as well as bureau planning, programming and budgeting; recommends hunting and trapping regulations; reviews or develops legislative proposals pertaining to wildlife or use of wildlife; responsible for personnel management, training, recruitment and evaluation; and represents the bureau in departmental meetings, public meetings, or in communications with other governmental agencies and the public.
BIOLOGIST 1 (MARINE), under general supervision, conducts the review, inspection and submission of reports on projects, including permit applications that would damage, modify or restore marine habitat; prepares and provides testimony at adjudicatory hearings; investigates potential violations, and recommends solutions for violations and/or applications; designs and conducts surveys, investigations and field projects in marine fish or shellfish management and/or sanitation or marine habitat restoration; proposes regulatory amendments; designs and conducts studies of marine fish or shellfish from waters suspected of pollution; responds to environmental emergencies - oil spills, fish kills, sewage bypasses, chemical spills and harmful algal blooms; supervises and trains technicians and/or laborers; compiles, analyzes, and interprets statistical data; prepares technical reports and resource management plans; conducts laboratory analyses of specimens; disseminates information on New York's marine resources; and develop and carries out projects to improve access to and enhance the condition of marine resources.
BIOLOGIST 2 (MARINE), typically under the supervision of a Biologist 3 (Marine), serves as the unit leader staffed by Biologists 1 and other professional, scientific and technical staff, engaged in various marine programs, including shellfish sanitation, the sanitation inspection of shippers, and shellfish stock management and assessment; develops sanitation guidelines and procedures for shellfish harvesting, storage and transport, processing, and handling, to ensure that federal public health standards are met by the shellfish industry; performs or reviews bacteriological testing of shellfish and seawater to determine the levels of contamination; ensures that federal standards for testing and examination are maintained; oversees the collection of field samples and field research to assess stock population and health of various species of fish; monitors and enhance fishing access opportunities for commercial and recreational marine fishing; monitors commercial compliance with fishing regulations and reviews data from commercial sources regarding species health and population; oversees the research and review of the States marine resource habitat assets obtained through GIS and field data to assess the overall status of the marine ecosystem, including tidal wetlands and estuaries; develops plans with other State and federal agencies, including the Department of State, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Environmental Protection Agency, to protect tidal and coastal habitats as required by the Tidal Wetlands Act of 1974 and the Clean Water Act; and reviews construction and other development applications within the coastal and tidal wetlands area, to assess and minimize the environmental impact on marine habitat.
BIOLOGIST 3 (MARINE), typically under the supervision of a Biologist 4 (Marine), serves as section head and supervises units consisting of Biologists 2, and Biologists 1; develops, implements and directs major program areas for marine resources, with responsibility for program planning, budgeting and personnel management; manages programs aimed at marine finfish and crustacean species, including those in the Hudson River; oversees field management and investigation of species; conducts public outreach; facilitates access to commercial and recreational fishing; monitors marine habitat protection and rehabilitation; oversees tidal wetlands mapping, inventory, monitoring and assessment; coordinates field units conducting surveys, scientific studies, research, and data collection; establishes workload priorities consistent with the annual work plan; performs the full range of supervisory duties for subordinates; and prepares and manage the sections annual budget and control expenditures.
BIOLOGIST 4 (MARINE), supervises several sections managed by Biologists 3, and containing Biologists 2, and Biologists 1; has statewide responsibility for the administration, supervision, and direction of the marine resources program within the Division; coordinates DECs participation in the consortium of Atlantic-Coast states for marine species, including New Yorks marine resource allocation; serves on advisory boards and councils for the management of Atlantic Coast marine resources, such as the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); represents New York State with interstate entities and develops New Yorks resource allotment; monitors marine resource data from multiple sources, including commercial fishing, scientific research, and marine biology expertise, to inform negotiations between states for species allotments important to New Yorks commercial or recreational fishing; responsible for personnel management, training, recruitment and evaluation; and represents the bureau in departmental meetings, public meetings, or in communications with other governmental agencies and the public.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Open-Competitive: A Bachelor's Degree including or supplemented by 36 semester credit hours in the biological sciences, natural resources or environmental policy. These credit hours must have included the following:
BIOLOGIST 1 (AQUATIC): 18 semester credit hours in fish or aquatic courses such as fishery resource management, fish diseases, aquaculture, ichthyology, fisheries ecology, fishery science, or fish population dynamics.
BIOLOGIST 1 (ECOLOGY): 18 semester credit hours in ecology, habitat protection and restoration, or ecosystem function, in courses such as terrestrial, marine and aquatic ecology, habitat restoration ecology, wetland and stream ecology, conservation biology, environmental impact assessment, ecotoxicology, limnology, forest and soil ecology, and watershed conservation.
BIOLOGIST 1 (MARINE): 18 semester credit hours in marine courses such as marine fisheries biology, fisheries management, mariculture, marine biology, marine ecology, or marine resources management.
BIOLOGIST 1 (WILDLIFE): 18 semester credit hours in wildlife biology and wildlife management, in courses that address the monitoring, modeling, management, interrelationships or biological characteristics of wildlife and their habitats.
Promotion:
BIOLOGIST 2 (all parenthetic titles):
One year of service as a Biologist 1 (any parenthetic)
Promotion:
BIOLOGIST 3 (all parenthetic titles):
One year of service as a Biologist 2 (any parenthetic)
Promotion:
BIOLOGIST 4 (all parenthetic titles):
One year of service as a Biologist 3 (any parenthetic)
NOTE: Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe. Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class. The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written. Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualifications requirements for appointment or examination.