This is supervisory aquatic biology work directing a staff of lower level aquatic biologists, chemists, engineers and technical personnel. The employee directs and participates in the identification, monitoring, studying and analysis of biological life in water, wastewater, sludge products and industrial waste.

Work includes development and revision of procedures and methodology, analyzing and interpreting data, planning, directing and conducting researching projects, and preparing technical reports. Provision of supporting services to other departmental administrators and contact with external governmental agencies are important aspects of the work. The employee works under the general direction of a technical supervisor.

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

1. The positions in this class must be responsible for supervisory aquatic biology work, directing a staff of lower level aquatic biologists, chemists, engineers and technical personnel.
2. The employees in this class direct and participate in the identification, monitoring, studying and analysis of biological life in water, wastewater, sludge products and industrial waste.
3. The positions in this class must be located in the Water Department.

• Plans, assigns, and reviews the work of a staff of aquatic biologists and other technical or professional personnel engaged in the monitoring and analysis of water, wastewater and sludge; determines techniques and procedures to be used; observes techniques used by staff and evaluates the effectiveness of the techniques; revises techniques; establishes timetables; reviews results of tests conducted by subordinates; provides technical guidance to subordinates.
• Evaluates new equipment, methodologies, and techniques; conducts comparisons of new equipment and techniques with existing equipment and techniques; trains subordinates in the use of new equipment, techniques and theories; trains subordinates in quality control techniques.
• Develops concepts for scientific research projects designed to determine more efficient methods of controlling biological content of water and wastewater; develops standards to be used in evaluation of the quality of water and wastewater; determines methods to be used in research projects; establishes criteria which are compared to project results; assigns subordinates responsibility for conducting components of research projects; evaluates results prepared by subordinates; prepares final reports on research projects.
• Analyzes quality content of water, wastewater, sludge and industrial waste samples at the request of other department administrators.
• Directs a program of sampling sites for the water distribution system; visits and evaluates field sampling sites.
• Prepares activity records; prepares operating budget proposals; estimates staffing needs; orders supplies and materials.
• Consults with regulatory agency officials on technical results and development of methodology; establishes, maintains and monitors performance at levels acceptable for certification by regulatory agencies; reviews and analyzes data and results to assure compliance with federal regulations; reviews and evaluates effects of new regulations on laboratory activities; may serve on regulatory and water quality committees; may present regulatory and water quality topics at national conferences.
• Presents testimony in court cases.
• 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.
• research methods and techniques as applied to water and wastewater analyses.
• laboratory management, including selection of equipment, assignment of work, and determination of priorities.
• the current literature, research and trends in water and wastewater systems microbiology.
• organic and inorganic chemistry as required by water and wastewater systems study.
• statistics and mathematics as applied to water and wastewater analysis.
• scientific research methodology.
• supervisory methods and techniques.

SKILL IN:

• the use of laboratory equipment.
• proper biological sampling methodology and design.
• oral and written communication of laboratory research and special studies.

ABILITY TO:

• plan, assign and supervise the work of a staff engaged in biological analysis.
• simplify, improve, adapt and standardize analytical procedures necessary to resolve problems.
• prepare and interpret reports detailing the results of tests and analyses.
• express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• instruct employees in new or improved analytical procedures.
• determine the necessity for research projects and supervise employees who conduct them.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, consultants, contractors, government and regulatory agencies and the general public.

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, monitoring and analyzing biological life in water, wastewater, sludge products and industrial waste.

AND

SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:
• Two years of the above experience at the full performance level.

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: Successful 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 the 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 Supervisor, if required by the work assignment.

PAY RANGE: EP23
Class Established: 1/1983
Spec. Revised: 9/1985

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

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