State of Maryland

A Natural Resources Biologist III is the first 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.

Class Descriptions 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.

Class Descriptions provide information about the Nature of Work, Examples of Work, General Requirements and Acknowledgements.  The Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities; Minimum Education and Experience Requirements; Special Requirements; and recruitment and testing procedures are set by the using agency.

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 not assigned to a bargaining unit, as indicated by the designation of S (Supervisor), M (Manager), T (Agency Head), U (Board or Commission Member), W (Student), X (Used by Agency or Excluded by Executive Order), or Z (Confidential).  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.