State of Maryland

A Natural Resources Biologist IV is the second of three advanced levels of professional biological work in the management of natural resources.  Employees in this classification may be responsible for the supervision of lower-level Natural Resources Biologists, Natural Resources Technicians and other support staff.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a higher-level Natural Resources Biologist or other designated administrator.  The work may require lifting or carrying heavy objects or equipment weighing over twenty-five pounds.  Employees are required to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.  Some aspects of the work, such as handling wildlife, working aboard a boat and working in remote areas are considered hazardous.  Employees may be required to wear protective clothing and equipment when the need arises.

The Natural Resources Biologist I - V classifications are differentiated based on the total points accrued by the application of the Factor Evaluation System for Professional Biological Positions.  The job evaluation factors are: (1) Qualifications Required, (2) Supervisory Controls, (3) Guidelines, (4) Complexity, (5) Scope and Effect, (6) Personal Contacts and Purpose and (7) Supervision Exercised.  The point range requirements for the Natural Resources Biologist I classification are 1855 – 2100 points.  The point range requirements for the Natural Resources Biologist II classification are 2105 – 2350 points. The point range requirements for the Natural Resources Biologist III classification are 2355 – 2750 points.  The point range requirements for the Natural Resources Biologist IV classification are 2755 – 3150 points.  The point range requirements for the Natural Resources Biologist V classification are 3155 – 3600 points.  Additional information on the evaluation and allocation criteria for the Natural Resources Biologist series is available from the agency personnel office.

Organizes technical research surveys and the collection of data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential uses of natural resources;

Compiles, analyzes and interprets technical data to provide recommendations for maintaining and enhancing natural resource quality and diversity;

Provides or supervises the technical assistance and advice given to public or private landowners regarding wildlife habitat improvement, nuisance wildlife management and best management practices;

Prepares or reviews environmental impact statements, technical survey reports, public information fact sheets and other reports involving the assigned function;

Conducts or supervises fish and wildlife development projects, as assigned;

Directs fish culture procedures to produce adequate supplies of fish;

Plans or supervises surveys for the collection of wildlife population data, including population numbers, mortality indices, disease outbreaks, distribution and abundance;

Conducts or supervises surveys and investigations of fish, crab, oyster, or clam populations or habitat and water quality;

Designs wildlife and fish sampling programs;

Develops or supervises the development of natural resource management plans;

Conducts presentations on natural resources to various public and private, civic and recreational groups;

Prepares final technical reports, management plans and regulations based on results of surveys and resource inventories;

May prepare federal aid reports and grant applications;

May negotiate contracts for personal services or studies for assigned activities;

May supervise the capture, measurement, banding and release of wildlife, including fish, using various nets, lures, traps and cannon nets;

May clean and maintain field and laboratory equipment;

May supervise, lead or train seasonal employees and lower-level Biologists and technicians in conducting research and inventory activities and in implementing natural resources management plans;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of governmental laws and regulations of natural resources conservation;

Knowledge of natural resources conservation and management principles and practices;

Knowledge of research methods and data collection techniques;

Knowledge of specific species, including habitat, behavior, populations and other characteristics used for research and survey development;

Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision and management;

Skill in planning, directing and evaluating the work of subordinate personnel;

Skill in performing natural resources management research;

Skill in reviewing, interpreting and evaluating data from surveys and research activities;

Skill in determining priorities and making recommendations for improvements in natural resources practices;

Skill in using or operating scientific instruments, tools, equipment and machines;

Ability to determine supply, equipment and service needs for the assigned activity;

Ability to develop, implement and evaluate natural resources management practices, plans, projects or program effectiveness;

Ability to work with others;

Ability to communicate effectively.

Experience: Four years of professional experience conducting research and analysis in the fields of biology, biochemistry, environmental science, natural science, natural resources management, botany, marine biology, marine ecology, physical oceanography, ichthyology, fisheries management, wildlife management or zoology and five years of experience in performing professional biological work in the field of natural resources management.

Notes: 

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental aquaculture, natural science, natural resources management, botany, marine biology, marine ecology or physical oceanography, ichthyology, fisheries management, wildlife management, zoology, or a natural resources management related field of study from an accredited college or university and five years of experience in performing professional biological work in the field of natural resources management for the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute graduate education beyond a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a natural resources related field of study as described above at the rate of 15 graduate credit hours for one year of experience for up to two years of the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in the natural resources management and biological sciences classifications or natural resources management and biological sciences specialty codes in the wildlife biology field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit G- Engineering, Scientific and Administrative Professionals classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial, and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining. Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.