3H11
BIOLOGIST TRAINEE

This is biology work at the trainee level identifying and studying biota and bio-systems associated with water purification and/or pollution control to the causes and effects of contaminants and the means of their control, or working with techniques associated with DNA extraction, amplification, and typing of various biological sample types using PCR technology. Employees specialize in either aquatics or molecular biology. Work in the aquatics specialty includes field sampling at watershed and stormwater overflow sites as well as at plant and delivery locations. Work in the molecular specialty includes examining biological evidence associated with violent crimes for presentation of laboratory findings in criminal trials. As experience is gained and the full performance level is neared, assignments increase in scope and complexity. Employees assist other technical personnel conducting laboratory and field tests. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical superior.

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

1. Employees in this class must perform aquatic or molecular biology work at the trainee level.
2. Positions in this class specializing in aquatics biology must be located in the Water Department.
3. Positions in this class specializing in molecular biology must be located in the Police Department.

AQUATICS SPECIALTY

• Learns how to conduct bacteriological examinations such as heterotrophic bacteria 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; assists in the establishment of test statistics and quality assurance.
• Learns the characteristics, distribution and interrelations of aquatic organisms in rivers and at various points in processing systems such as sludge receptacles, digestors, reservoirs, and distribution networks; learns chemical and biological tests used to determine means of improving water quality or pollution control processing; performs tests to demonstrate the effects of waste discharges on the watershed; reviews current scientific literature related to work assignments.

MOLECULAR SPECIALTY

• Learns how to prepare reagents used in the laboratory; learns how to extract DNA from various biological samples (i.e. blood, semen, saliva, etc.) using Chelex and organic methods; amplifies extracted DNA for particular genetic markers using PCR technology; stores samples according to proper established protocols.
• Learns how to establish genetic profiles for biological samples collected from crime scenes and reference samples collected from suspects/victims by typing amplified DNA using the reverse dot blot hybridization and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis techniques; develops polyacrylamide gels using silver staining and fluorescence staining techniques.
• Learns to compare genetic profiles established from scene samples to genetic profiles established from reference samples; performs basic statistical manipulations to determine frequencies of matching profiles.
• Performs related work a required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
AQUATICS SPECIALTY
• the principles of aquatic biology, aquatic ecology, water pollution biology and environmental science.
• the identifying characteristics of micro-organisms commonly encountered in natural and man-made water and wastewater systems.
• organic and inorganic chemistry as required by water and wastewater systems study.
• statistical methods of biological analysis.

MOLECULAR SPECIALTY

• the principles of molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, forensic science, and statistics.
• familiarity with basic techniques used in a laboratory.

SKILL IN:

• the identification of characteristics inherent in work samples.
• utilizing current laboratory equipment and techniques in the specialty area.
• laboratory techniques used in a molecular biology laboratory.
• familiarity with computer operation, including data entry and evaluation of statistical data.

ABILITY TO:

• learn the use and care of the microscope and laboratory equipment.
• learn biological tests and examinations required in the area of specialty.
• express ideas and facts clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.

AQUATICS SPECIALTY
• 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.

MOLECULAR SPECIALTY

• Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in biological science, chemistry, forensic science or a related science, which includes a minimum of twelve credits in the area of molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, or statistics.

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 Biologist Trainee.

PAY RANGE: EP11
Class Established: 2/74

Spec. Revised: 4/97

Latest Spec. Revision:
CSC: 8/99, Ad Board: 10/99

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