Aquatic Biologist I-II

Job Closes: May 19th, 2024

GENERAL SUMMARY

Monitors aquatic systems throughout the river basin to support the health and safety of the organization's constituents and ecological resources. Collects, processes, and interprets water quality, biological and habitat data. Operates, calibrates, and maintains field equipment. Performs data collection and analysis that informs management decisions to improve environmental health. .

Safety is #1 at the River Authority: We expect every employee: to 1) Strictly follow safety policies, rules, and safe work methods. 2) Promptly correct or report safety hazards or unsafe conditions. Immediately report injuries for prompt diagnosis and treatment. 3) Make regular suggestions for safety process improvements to support continuous safety improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Conducts and documents all monitoring efforts in accordance with the most current Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Surface Water Quality Monitoring Procedures, Quality Assurance Project Plan and monitoring plan.
• Assists in developing and performing aquatic surveys including qualitative and quantitative freshwater mussel surveys, a wide variety of fisheries assessments and invasive species monitoring and removal.
• Maintains and calibrates sampling and testing equipment and maintains a log of available instruments and sensors.
• Processes data and uploads into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Collects and analyzes data associated with research projects. Coordinates with outside partners to collaborate on furthering methodologies and sampling procedures.
• Assists with and occasionally oversees invasive species monitoring.
• Interacts with stakeholders, constituents and media outlets and participates in outreach and education events to promote natural resources stewardship.
• Participates in internal and external audits and writes follow up nonconformance and corrective action reports.
• Performs related work as required.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS

• This position may supervise seasonal interns.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Science, Biological Science, or a related discipline, and eighteen (18) months of progressively responsible environmental field experience, or a combination of experience and education that results in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • Candidates that hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in Biological Science, Environmental Sciences, or a related discipline, and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in field monitoring, water quality monitoring, aquatic ecology, fisheries, and riparian / terrestrial assessments; or a combination of experience and education that results in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. May qualify for the position of Aquatic Biologist II

*If selected, the level will be determined by the Manager based on an internal assessment of education and experience

Required Licenses or Certifications

• SCUBA Certification preferred

Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Knowledge of:

• Fish , freshwater mussels, aquatic insects, and vegetation
• Principles and practices of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPWD), and TCEQ regulations and requirements that apply to water quality monitoring and environmental assessment.
• Statistical analysis software and GIS
• Microsoft Office

Skills and Abilities:

• Communicating Orally and in writing
• Driving a boat and towing a trailer
• Collecting fish via electrofishing and seining
• Conducting habitat and mussel surveys
• Ability to swim
• Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and SARA Core Values of Stewardship, Integrity, and Excellence.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work Environment and Physical Effort: (check the appropriate box:)

Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Medium: Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Heavy: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS continued

Work Locations: (select one frequency choice for each location listed:)

Exposures: (select one frequency choice for each exposure listed:)

San Antonio River Authority is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity.