City and County of San Francisco

Supervising Biologist (#2485)

$63.23-$76.85 Hourly / $10,959.00-$13,321.00 Monthly / $131,508.00-$159,848.00 Yearly


Definition

Under general direction, supervises biologists and technicians performing field and laboratory environmental monitoring studies and microbiological analyses of water, wastewater, and other materials; directs special study projects; interacts with bureau and departmental managers to identify and provide logistical support; performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Features

This is the first level of supervision in the biologist job code series. Incumbents plan, assign, direct and evaluate the work of an assigned section of biologists and technicians engaged in field and laboratory work. The Supervising Biologist is responsible for long-range planning through the budget process; to develop, direct and coordinate interdisciplinary environmental biological monitoring programs. Incumbents exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative. 

Supervision Exercised

This class supervises the Biologist I/II, Biologist III and the Water Quality Technician I/II and III series.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 9, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to 2485 Supervising Biologist and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Develops, supervises, reviews and evaluates environmental and bacteriological monitoring programs; plans, assigns, directs, and evaluates work of biologists, technicians and special project teams performing environmental field and laboratory studies.

2. Establishes analytical procedures, sets goals, determines priorities, and develops work schedules.

3. Directs the training of staff; reviews and evaluates employee performance; and recommends staffing changes to meet established goals.

4. Participates in studies conducted by regulatory agencies, consultants or professional groups to evaluate existing toxicology, bacteriology or parisitology analyses.

5. Evaluates environmental monitoring data to determine compliance with regulatory agency standards.

6. Coordinates the planning and development of sample collection and monitoring programs, conferring with supervisors of other sections as required.

7. Interprets policies and procedures to employees and maintains safe working conditions.

8. Prepares periodic and special reports and correspondence; may prepare research papers for presentation and technical conferences.

9. Assists with preparing and monitoring the annual budget; evaluates environmental services and equipment needs, and makes purchasing recommendations.

10. Confers with representatives of various bureaus, divisions, departments and other agencies concerning the activities of the biology section; may represent the department in meetings with other agencies or the public.

11. Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: Theory and principles of marine, fresh water and terrestrial ecology; watershed management; community population dynamics; taxonomy; microbiological analyses and techniques; aquatic toxicology; and field sampling techniques; sources of information related to drinking water and wastewater environmental issues; methods of evaluating the impact of discharges on receiving waters; sampling program design and techniques; and statistical analyses; principles of drinking water and wastewater treatment; supervisory techniques including planning, scheduling, training and budgetary control functions; use of data processing techniques to solve plant processing problems.

Ability to: plan, assign, direct, review and evaluate the work of biologists; select employees and train staff; communicate effectively with representatives of other bureaus, divisions, departments and other agencies; prepare clear, complete and accurate records and reports.

Skill in:field sampling and laboratory techniques.

Experience and Training

1. Possession of baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with major work in biology, marine biology, aquatic biology, environmental biology, fisheries biology, limnology, wildlife biology, aquatic toxicology, microbiology or related environmental science; AND 

2. Eight (8) years of verifiable experience in field or laboratory biology, one (1) year of which must be verifiable experience in water quality or wastewater environmental biology.

License or Certificate

License or Certificate: Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Disaster Service Workers

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

CLASS: 2485; EST: 1/1/1900; REV: 1/1/1900;