Marine Fisheries Biologist

Description of Work

Are you passionate about the environment and want to make a difference?

DEQ has an open opportunity for a Marine Fisheries Biologist.

DMF 65008125 NC18

This Marine Fisheries Biologist will be responsible for the review of development projects in the southern coastal counties, from the South Carolina state line, north through Onslow County. The position reviews permit applications for potential impacts to estuarine or marine fish habitat, fish or fisheries, and submits written comments to the appropriate agency. The position will assess site conditions through review of literature, biological data, and resource maps, as well as conducting field investigations. Typical documents to review include applications for Division of Coastal Management CAMA major permits, Division of Water Resources 401 water quality certifications, US Army Corps of Engineers public notices and environmental impact statements. Coordination with other state and federal agencies and participation in permit-related meetings, including pre-application and project development team meetings is required. This position will also assist with updating the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan and habitat sections of Fishery Management Plans. The position will occasionally assist with mapping and monitoring of seagrass and shell bottom, along with other implementation actions of the habitat plan. Experience with Microsoft Office is required. This position may involve the use of GIS and small boat operation as part of habitat evaluations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review environmental permit applications and provide comment based on impacts to NCDMF managed species and habitats
• Review and apply scientific literature to permit reviews
• Conduct site visits and field investigations to assess environmental conditions within project areas
• Coordinate with other state and federal agencies and participate in permit related meetings
• Assist with updating the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan and Fishery Management Plans
• Assist with coastal habitat mapping fieldwork

The Division of Marine Fisheries

The NC Department of Environmental Quality:

The primary mission of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is to provide science-based environmental stewardship for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the lead stewardship agency for the protection of North Carolina's environmental resources. The organization, which has offices from the mountains to the coast, administers regulatory programs designed to protect air quality, water quality, and the public's health, and works to advance in all-of-the-above energy strategy that fits North Carolina's needs. DEQ also offers technical assistance to businesses, farmers, local governments, and the public and encourages responsible behavior with respect to the environment through education programs provided at DEQ facilities and through the state's school system. DEQ touches the lives of all North Carolinians in many ways to enhance and ensure our quality of life. Please visit our website at the Department of Environmental Quality for more information.

If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.

Recruitment Range: $59,752 - $62,445

This position is located in: New Hanover County, NC, Wilmington

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL the following:

• Experience with assessing environmental impacts of development proposals or experience with environmental permits
• Experience with analyzing scientific or technical reports/documents
• Experience with coastal habitats

Management Preferences:

• Experience with field assessments or surveys for shellfish and/or coastal wetlands

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for details.

Supplemental and Contact Information

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is an Equal Opportunity Employer who embraces an Employment First philosophy which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws and Executive Orders.

DEQ uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to their applications.
• If applicants earned college credit hours but did not complete a degree program, they must attach an official transcript to each application to receive credit for this education.
• If applicants earned a foreign degree, foreign degrees require an official evaluation for U.S. equivalency and must be submitted to Human Resources for verification. There are several organizations that perform this specialized service, feel free to use any service of your choosing. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) has several options on their website that can provide credential verification: https://www.naces.org/members

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