Biologist 1 (Aquatic) / Trainee 1 and 2-NY HELPS (2 Positions)

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title maybe filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At this time, agencies may recruit and hire employees by making temporary appointments. In May 2024, if a temporary NY HELPS employee is satisfactorily performing in the position, the appointment will be changed from temporary pending Civil Service Commission Action to permanent non-competitive and the official probationary period will begin.
At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
NON-COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor's or higher degree including or supplemented by 18 semester credit hours in acoustic sampling of fish populations, applied biostatistics for the biological sciences, aquaculture, aquatic ecology, aquatic entomology, aquatic habitat management, aquatic insects, biology of aquatic ecosystems, biology of aquatic invertebrates, biology of fishes, biological limnology, conservation biology (aquatic), creel and angler surveys, ecology of aquatic ecosystems, ecology of freshwater fishes, ecology of freshwater mussels, ecology of marine fishes, environmental statistics, fish behavior, fish biology, fish culture, fish diseases, fish nutrition, fish pathology, fish physiology, fish population dynamics, fish propagation, fish taxonomy, fisheries economics, fisheries science, fisheries techniques, fishery management, fishery management techniques, fishery resource management, fisheries seminar, fishery statistics, fluvial geomorphology, freshwater ecology, freshwater invertebrates, freshwater mussel biology, freshwater mussel identification, genetics of fish, ichthyology, lentic and lotic ecosystems, limnology, mathematical modeling of fish populations, marine fisheries management, marine fisheries science, perturbations of fishes, physical limnology, population ecology, principles of fishery science, principles of fishery management, production biology of aquatic (fishery) environments, phylogeny of fishes, quantitative ecology, radio telemetry of fishes, statistical methods in research, stream ecology, stream restoration, techniques of fishery science, or urban fishery management.
Examples of Non-Qualifying Courses: animal behavior, animal ecology, entomology, general oceanography, invertebrate zoology, marine pollution, physical oceanography, terrestrial ecosystems ecology, wetland systems.
COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC
or
Reinstatement Eligible - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis.
or
Transfer Eligible - One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 11 or higher and either:
Eligible for transfer under Section 70.4: Must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications - listed below;
or
Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: Permanent competitive service as a Fish and Wildlife Technician 2, Fish and Wildlife Technician 3, Biologist 1 (Aquatic), Biologist 1 (Ecology), Biologist 1 (Marine) or Biologist 1 (Wildlife).
55-b/55-c Candidates must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications below and include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55-b/55-c program.
Open competitive minimum qualifications (provided for 55b/c candidates and 70.4 transfer eligibles):
A bachelor's or higher degree including or supplemented by 18 semester credit hours in acoustic sampling of fish populations, applied biostatistics for the biological sciences, aquaculture, aquatic ecology, aquatic entomology, aquatic habitat management, aquatic insects, biology of aquatic ecosystems, biology of aquatic invertebrates, biology of fishes, biological limnology, conservation biology (aquatic), creel and angler surveys, ecology of aquatic ecosystems, ecology of freshwater fishes, ecology of freshwater mussels, ecology of marine fishes, environmental statistics, fish behavior, fish biology, fish culture, fish diseases, fish nutrition, fish pathology, fish physiology, fish population dynamics, fish propagation, fish taxonomy, fisheries economics, fisheries science, fisheries techniques, fishery management, fishery management techniques, fishery resource management, fisheries seminar, fishery statistics, fluvial geomorphology, freshwater ecology, freshwater invertebrates, freshwater mussel biology, freshwater mussel identification, genetics of fish, ichthyology, lentic and lotic ecosystems, limnology, mathematical modeling of fish populations, marine fisheries management, marine fisheries science, perturbations of fishes, physical limnology, population ecology, principles of fishery science, principles of fishery management, production biology of aquatic (fishery) environments, phylogeny of fishes, quantitative ecology, radio telemetry of fishes, statistical methods in research, stream ecology, stream restoration, techniques of fishery science, or urban fishery management.
Examples of Non-Qualifying Courses: animal behavior, animal ecology, entomology, general oceanography, invertebrate zoology, marine pollution, physical oceanography, terrestrial ecosystems ecology, wetland systems.

Proficiency in GIS and database management is preferred.

Two Biologist 1 Aquatic positions will be hired that will, under general supervision, conduct fish population and fish habitat investigations; review and propose fisheries research in support of the maintenance, restoration and protection of fish species and their habitats; summarize and statistically analyze data; prepare technical and scientific reports to inform the aquatic policies of the State; prepare species and habitat conservation plans; communicate with various public groups concerning fisheries management programs; review and analyze project proposals which are likely to alter fish habitat; and help provide public access for use and enjoyment of New York fishery resources. Duties include: data management and analysis of fish species and their critical habitats; literature reviews, status assessments and report preparation; recovery plan preparation; habitat restoration plan preparation; field sampling with Regional Fisheries staff; review of special license applications; develop presentations for technical meetings and conferences; assist in program and project coordination; assist with permit reviews involving endangered and threatened fish species; assist in the development of federal grant proposals; assist in the review and selection of funding proposals; assist in access maintenance and development planning. The incumbents must establish and maintain cooperative relationships with Regional staff; staff from other Divisions; and academic, federal, and non-governmental organizations to advance the agency’s management objectives. Travel statewide for meetings and sampling assistance to the Regions will be required. Positions require effective written and verbal communication skills and must work collaboratively with other staff and outside partners. Incumbents will respond to inquiries from the public, participate in public meetings and outreach, and assist with other tasks as needed.