Environmental Biologist II

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is seeking an Environmental Biologist II for the Division of Water, focusing on water quality and biological monitoring. Responsibilities include managing monitoring activities, sampling water chemistry, and analyzing data. Candidates should have skills in taxonomic identification, boat operation, and data management. The position requires frequent travel, fieldwork in various weather conditions, and a bachelor's degree in a relevant science with three years of experience.
Description

The mission of the Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet (EEC) is to improve the quality of life for all Kentuckians by protecting our land, air, and water resources by utilizing our natural resources in an environmentally conscientious manner. We do this by helping families connect with nature and preserving the Commonwealth’s natural heritage; and by supporting innovative, resilient, and sustainable energy solutions that together bring economic benefit to the commonwealth.

If you are looking for a positive work environment and a career where you can make a difference in the environment we live in, then EEC is the cabinet for you. For more information on what our cabinet has to offer, check out our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWSuC43XqlHchYeQ66tP7tg and our Careers page: https://eec.ky.gov/Pages/careers.aspx.

By joining the Division of Water, Water Quality Branch, Monitoring Section as an Environmental Biologist I in Franklin County, you will have the opportunity to gain water quality and biological monitoring experience in- depth knowledge of Kentucky streams and lakes through extensive travel and field work. Field work will include the monitoring of biological assemblages such as macroinvertebrates and fishes. Field work will also include sampling from boats on large rivers and lakes.

Holders of the Environmental Biologist I position will complete tasks such as:
• Managing and executing monitoring activities for water quality and aquatic life monitoring programs
• Sampling water chemistry and biology, often using boats and electrofishing equipment
• Assisting with data analysis, reporting, and 305(b)/303(d) water quality assessments.
• Identifying and analyzing samples (macroinvertebrate, fish, bacteria, chlorophyll) in a laboratory setting

Desired candidates possess the following requisite skills or experience applicable to the position:
• Taxonomic identification of macroinvertebrates and/or fishes
• Familiarity with operation of boats and boater safety
• ArcGIS mapping and statistical analysis
• Data entry and database management

Additional position information: This position may require frequent overnight travel. This position will require working in and around water year-round. Candidates can expect to be exposed to extreme weather conditions and environmental hazards such as biting insects and noxious plants.

EEC provides opportunities for development and upward movement. There is room to grow your skill set as you build your career. Come join our team and make an impact in the future of Kentucky. We look forward to reviewing your application.

EEC participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. EEC will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that EEC has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or https://www.e-verify.gov/

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in a biological, environmental or natural science, which includes at least thirty credit hours in the biological sciences.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Three years of professional experience in research, environmental impact assessment, or related environmental program areas.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: Graduate work in the biological, environmental, or natural sciences will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): NONE

Working Conditions

Work is typically performed in an office setting, laboratory setting and in the field. In a lab setting, an employee in this job classification may be exposed to potential hazards related to laboratory conditions and supplies which may require the following of safety precautions. In a field setting, an employee in this job classification may be exposed to adverse weather conditions and temperature variations, changes in terrain, snakes, insects, water borne pathogens, broken glass, rusted metal in streams, and hazards common to operation of electro-fishing equipment, all of which require the following of safety procedures.