Title: Marine Scientist Senior

State Role Title: Scientist II

Hiring Range: $59,740.00-$66,286.00

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: SHELLFISH SANITATION DIVISION

Agency Website: www.vdh.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

This Marine Scientist position is an opportunity for a well-qualified, motivated individual with a focus on environmental quality and public health. It is based out of the Division of Shellfish Safety and Waterborne Hazards field office in Norfolk, VA. This position is responsible for conducting complex investigations into impairments of shellfish growing areas, identifying potential pollution sources, and exploring remediation opportunities. Key duties include conducting field and laboratory analyses of marine biotoxins and harmful algal blooms; developing research methods and experimental design; performing complex sample collections, including land and vessel-based studies, time-series analyses, and watershed surveys. This role also ensures data quality assurance, conducts statistical analyses and designs databases, and assesses hydrographic and meteorological factors that influence the distribution, residence time and fate of pollutants. This position serves as technical experts in the development of management plans for areas with predictable patterns of pollution and conducts sampling and assessment during emergency response events.

The Virginia Department of Health offers 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Broad working knowledge of the marine environment, biology,
environmental health, and water quality.
2. In-depth knowledge of data collection and analyses including the
design and use of complex computer databases and Geographic
Information System software.
3. Working knowledge of the use of field scientific instruments and
environmental sampling to measure environmental parameters
accurately.
4. Working skills in the trailering, launching, landing, maneuvering,
and piloting of outboard powered boats.
5. Experience working in a laboratory setting, including preparation of
samples, maintenance of laboratory equipment, and adherence to
safety and quality assurance protocols.
6. Must be able to obtain a Virginia DGIF/ NASBLA boat operator
safety-training certificate.
7. Extensive knowledge gained through training or experience in marine
science or a related scientific discipline.

Additional Considerations

1 Relevant professional experience working both independently and as part
of a team.
2. The selected applicant must possess robust written and oral
communication skills
3. The responsibilities require a working knowledge of experimental
design; hypothesis testing; project coordination; quality
assurance/control principles and techniques; technical writing.
Federal/State laws and regulations; algal, bacterial, and viral fields and
laboratory analyses.

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.

VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.

It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!

Supplemental Questions: You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information will help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration

Contact Information

Name: Isis Romero

Phone: (804) 864-7000

Email: isis.romero@vdh.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.