Title: SWRO - P0256 - Regional Biologist

State Role Title: Scientist II

Hiring Range: $56,051 - $80,417

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept of Environmental Quality

Location: Southwest Regional Office

Agency Website: DEQ website

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Southwest Regional Office (SWRO), is seeking a qualified candidate to assist in the organization, development, evaluation, and implementation of regional water quality monitoring programs which includes conducting benthic macro-invertebrate/fish monitoring, overseeing probabilistic monitoring, conducting fish kill investigations, perform special study monitoring and evaluation & monitoring in support of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) development and other agency commitments.

Minimum Qualifications

The successful candidate will have the following knowledge, skills and abilities gained through education and/or experience.
- Knowledge of aquatic ecology, aquatic biology, and environmental science
- benthic macro-invertebrate taxonomy and benthic macro-invertebrate sampling techniques
- fish taxonomy and collection techniques
- conducting Relative Bed Stability (RBS) surveys and Rapid Bioassessment surveys
- Ambient water monitoring collection techniques
- the operation and maintenance of field instruments (water monitoring sondes)
- Verbal and written communication
- Proficiency in personal computer use
- posses the ability to regularly perform strenuous physical activity in extreme weather conditions, and the ability to life 50lbs.
- Will be required to obtain a Society for Freshwater Science (SFS) Genus certification within a year of hire

Additional Considerations

Knowledge and experience with benthic macro-invertebrate collection and identification. Knowledge and experience with ambient water monitoring sampling. This position may require you to operate a state owned or leased vehicle. Therefore, a valid driver's license is required. The ability to regularly perform strenuous physical activity to include heavy lifting

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Please Read Carefully:

The Commonwealth of Virginia welcomes all applicants authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not provided; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work.

Excluding current DEQ Employees, selected candidates for employment MUST pass a criminal background check. A valid driver’s license is required of all DEQ employees in order to operate a state-owned or leased vehicle.

The Application Process: Individuals desiring to be considered for this position must submit a completed employment application or you may attach a resume before the position’s closing date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to be specific regarding job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities. Applications submitted via postal mail, email, or fax will not be considered.

DEQ Values Veterans: DEQ is a proud member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program, authorized under the Code of Virginia (§2.2-2001.2). We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified Veterans and their spouses. Veterans who are hired into state positions may be eligible for additional leave accruals based on their total years of service in the military, National Guard or Reserve. For more information please visit: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits

Our Commitment: DEQ is an equal opportunity employer by both policy and practice. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive work environment with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, or against otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. It is DEQ’s intent that its employment and personnel policies and practices conform to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination. DEQ will provide if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of accommodation in order to provide access to the application and/or interview process. If any assistance is needed, please contact DEQ Human Resources Office at 804-698-4000.

Contact Information

Name: Brittany Saleeby

Phone: 804-659-2676

Email: HROcommunications@deq.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.