This is aquatic biology work at the full performance level identifying, monitoring, studying, and analyzing biological life in water, wastewater, sludge products and industrial waste.

Work includes field research at watershed and stormwater overflow sites as well as in plant and delivery systems. Work is performed under the supervision of an Aquatic Biologist Supervisor, and 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 be responsible for performing aquatic biology work at the full performance level, identifying, monitoring, studying, and analyzing biological life in water, wastewater, biosolids products and industrial waste.
2. 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 including sludge receptacles, digestors, reservoirs, and distribution networks; 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.
• Interacts with chemists and engineers from other sections to interpret laboratory data, design biological studies and establish needs for services.
• Calibrates and maintains laboratory equipment; prepares reports and maintains records of tests performed.
• Instructs work-study interns in practices, procedures and theory of aquatic biology; assigns biological tests, reviews the work by checking results and observing techniques; corrects students using improper methods and aids in the solution of any problems encountered.
• May assign standard biological determinations to a small group of laboratory personnel; reviews work by checking results, assigning retests and duplicating tests.
• 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 wastewater systems.
• the literature of and current developments in water and wastewater systems microbiology.
• 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 the field of water and wastewater systems microbiology.
• 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.
• develop testing and laboratory studies, write reports and make recommendations.
• 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:

• Two years of experience identifying and studying biota and bio-systems related to water and/or wastewater biology.

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.

NOTE: Completion of a master's degree program at an accredited college or university in aquatic biology, microbiology, aquatic ecology, water pollution biology, limnology, or environmental science may be substituted for up to one year of experience as cited above.

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 II if required by work assignment.

PAY RANGE: EP19
Class Established: 9/1975
Spec. Revised: 9/1985

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

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