Biologist II

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DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

BIOLOGIST II

Opening Date: February 09 2026

Closing Date: End of day March 02 2026

Location: Augusta

Position Number: 08330-1031

Class Code: 9352

Grade: 25 (Supervisory)

Salary: $60569.60 - $85529.60 Per Year*

*(This includes a 5.5% Salary Adjustment)

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position uses limnological expertise to assess protect and restore Maine lakes in the Lakes Assessment Section of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. This position leads or assists with logistics and planning of monitoring for multiple section projects design of new projects data management and statistical/geographic analysis of data. The position may coauthor scientific peer-reviewed papers for publication and remains current with pertinent laws and scientific literature. The position interprets water quality data for the public and provides technical assistance to municipalities and lake conservation groups. The position supervises section staff and provides training support for the Lake Stewards of Maines Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:

• Collects limnological data using boats and appropriate equipment while following Standard Operating Procedures and departmental safety protocols.
• Uses data tools (preferably with R programming language) to analyze data and produce visualizations to display results. Creates detailed supporting reports of data analyses and interpretations as needed.
• Uses GIS software to perform spatial analyses of lake and watershed data.
• Creates reviews edits and evaluates project documents technical and scientific reports and web-based data tools to support lake protection and restoration programs and disseminate information.
• Assists in ongoing Lake Assessment Section research and helps develop new research projects as needed.
• Trains seasonal support personnel and volunteers; designs repairs and maintains field and laboratory equipment.
• Interprets explains and promotes lake programs policies data and concerns to the public other agencies and private organizations.

For information specific to the position please contact Jeremy Deeds at or

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:A Bachelors Degree in Biology Wildlife Management or related field -AND- three (3) years of experience in laboratory or field research of fish and wildlife including experience in a supervisory capacity. Directly related work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preference will be given to applicants having a thesis-based Masters degree or Ph.D. in Limnology Biology Aquatic Ecology or a closely related field.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS: The questions below MUST be answered and submitted with your application.

1. Please provide an example of your own writing where you were the sole author. The example should illustrate your ability to communicate scientific findings to other professionals.

does the term limiting nutrient mean as applied to lakes What is the limiting nutrient for most Maine lakes and why is it important to measure How do Secchi disk transparency readings provide information about the nutrient status of lakes

3. Many lakes have diminished dissolved oxygen concentrations in portions of the water column in late summer. How does this happen and what are the ramifications for lake water quality and habitat

4. Describe the conditions of two different lakes based on the common fish species present:

Lake A: lake trout landlocked salmon

Lake B: largemouth bass yellow perch

Include in your answer characterizations of macrophyte growth water clarity phytoplankton communities and lake morphology.

5. Compare and contrast the mixing and stratification dynamics you would expect to see between two lakes of similar surface area but different maximum depths: 5m and 20m. Describe your expectations for the following limnological phenomena: thermoclines oxyclines mixing events and potential for sediment phosphorus release.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of limnological research including lake monitoring water quality assessment trophic interactions watershed effects influences from atmospheric deposition climate effects on lakes habitat surveys biological assessments and cyanobacteria ecology.
• Ability to utilize laboratory and field equipment used in limnological research keep detailed records interpret chemical/biological lake data and write reports.
• Proficiency with various statistical methods for the analysis of limnological data including the ability to communicate technical findings to scientific colleagues non-scientific lake groups and the general public. Familiarity with R programming language is preferred.
• Proficiency with various computer software products and tools such as Microsoft Word PowerPoint Excel and Access. Able to learn new software applications quickly.
• Familiarity with GIS spatial analysis tools for limnological analyses of lakes and their watersheds.
• Ability to work in a team environment with flexibility to shift focus as needed to accomplish goals of the bureau.
• Ability to supervise professional technical and volunteer staff.
• A passion for environmental work and being part of a team of scientists dedicated to protecting the lakes and ponds of Maine.

No matter where you work across Maine state government you find employees who embody our state mottoDirigo or I leadas they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforces health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package including:

• Work-Life Balance Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays12 days of sick leave and3 weeks of vacation leaveannually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage The State of Maine pays85%-100%of employee-only premiums ($11857.68-$13950.24 annual value) depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costsfor you and your family including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information aboutprogram requirements.
• Dental Insurance The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan The State of Maine contributesat least 14.11%of payto the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information visit theFederal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a childincluding fathers and adoptive parentsreceiveforty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional unpaid leave may also be available under theFamily and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in aMaineSaves457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn aboutadditional wellness benefitsfor State employees from theOffice of Employee Health and Wellness

Theres a job and then theres purposeful transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn grow and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race color sex sexual orientation or gender identity physical or mental disability religion age ancestry national origin familial status or genetics.

If youre looking for a great next step and want to feel good about what you do wed love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If youre currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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