This is aquatic biology work of limited scope and difficulty identifying and studying biota and bio-systems associated with water purification and/or pollution control to determine the causes and effects of contaminants and the means of their control.

Work includes field sampling research at watershed and stormwater overflow sites as well as in plant and delivery systems. The employee is given progressively more difficult assignments and is expected to use progressively more independence of judgement in conducting biological tests. Work is performed under the supervision of an Aquatic Biologist Supervisor. Work includes some disagreeable aspects.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be approved for this class.)

1. Positions in this class must perform aquatic biology work of limited scope and difficulty, identifying and studying biota and bio-systems associated with water purification and/or pollution control.
2. The positions in this class must be located in the Water Department.

• Conducts bacteriological examinations such as heterotrophic bacterial plate count, total and fecal coliform presence by accepted procedures; takes field samples at local and remote watershed and storm overflow sites; analyzes and identifies aquatic organisms including protozoa and bacteria, plankton, periphyton, macrophyton, and macroinvertebrates; establishes test statistics and quality assurance.
• Investigates the distribution and interrelations of aquatic organisms in rivers and at various points in processing systems such as sludge receptacles, digestors, reservoirs, and distribution networks; based on such findings, conducts chemical and biological tests to determine means of improving water quality, or pollution control processing.
• Provides information for the conduct of detailed field investigations; devises tests to demonstrate the effects of waste discharges on the ecology of the watershed; prepares detailed reports of findings including statistical analyses; reviews current scientific literature related to work assignments.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles of aquatic biology, aquatic ecology, water pollution biology and environmental science.
• the identifying characteristics of aquatic organisms commonly encountered in natural and man-made water and wastewater systems.
• the use and care of the microscope and laboratory equipment.
• organic and inorganic chemistry as required by water and wastewater systems study.
• the effects of biological contamination in natural and man-made water and wastewater systems.
• the literature of and current developments in water and wastewater systems biology.
• statistical methods of biological analysis.

SKILL IN:

• the use of the microscope and laboratory equipment.
• the identification of bacteria and micro-organisms commonly encountered in water and wastewater systems.
• proper biological sampling methodology.

ABILITY TO:

• perform microbiological tests and examinations required by water and wastewater systems study.
• identify bacteria and micro-organisms commonly encountered in natural and man-made water and wastewater systems.
• express ideas and facts clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.

EDUCATION:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in a biological or environmental science which includes a minimum of six credits in the area of aquatic biology, microbiology, aquatic ecology, water pollution biology, limnology, or a related science.

AND

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:

• One year of experience identifying and studying biota and bio-systems related to water and/or wastewater biology. Or

• completion of a master's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in aquatic biology, microbiology, aquatic ecology, water pollution biology, limnology or environmental science.

Or any equivalent combination of education and experience which has included completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university as specified above and which has been determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as an Aquatic Biologist I.

PAY RANGE: EP13
Class Established: 2/1974

Latest Spec. Revision:
  CSC - 4/1997 ; Ad. Board - 6/1997

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