Senior Aquatic Biologist

GENERAL SUMMARY

Determines the health of the San Antonio River Watershed and the associated ecological resources through routine water quality and biological monitoring and special studies. Operates, calibrates, and maintains field equipment. Mentors the Aquatic Biologists and coordinates all field activates aimed at accomplishing team goals and the mission of the organization. Works closely with the Watershed Monitoring Supervisor in the development of staff and the overall direction and vision of the section.

Safety is #1 at the River Authority: We expect every employee: to 1) Strictly follow safety policies, rules, and safe work methods. 2) Promptly correct or report safety hazards or unsafe conditions. Immediately report injuries for prompt diagnosis and treatment. 3) Make regular suggestions for safety process improvements to support continuous safety improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

 Reviews and implements standard operating procedures for the collection and testing of field data.

• Supervises, mentors and assists Aquatic Biologists I and II.
• Conducts and documents all monitoring efforts in accordance with the most current Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Surface Water Quality Monitoring Procedures, Quality Assurance Project Plan and monitoring plan.   
• Develops, performs and oversees aquatic surveys including qualitative and quantitative freshwater mussel surveys, a wide variety of fisheries assessments and invasive species monitoring and removal.
• Provides technical guidance pertaining to instrument operation, calibration, performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting with field instrumentation and equipment. Including variability in sample collection techniques and methods.
• Processes data and uploads into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS); conducts and oversees data analysis to inform management and policy decisions within the San Antonio River watershed.
• Coordinates with outside partners to collaborate on furthering methodologies and sampling procedures and developing new projects and efforts.
• Oversees invasive species monitoring and makes recommendations for mitigation and prevention policies.
• Interacts with stakeholders, constituents, and media outlets and participates in outreach and education events to promote natural resources stewardship.
• Participates in internal and external audits, writes and reviews nonconformance and corrective action reports, and ensures corrective actions are documented and implemented.
• Responsible for obtaining, maintaining, and fulfilling reporting requirements for scientific permits, including but not limited to scientific permits for research, exotic species activities, and aquatic resource relocation plans.
• Performs related work as required.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS

• This position directly supervises Aquatic Biologists I & II and occasionally interns.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in Biological Science, Environmental Science, or a related discipline, and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in field monitoring, water quality monitoring, aquatic ecology, fisheries, riparian/terrestrial assessments, or environmental site assessments; or a combination of experience and education that results in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• SCUBA Certification preferred

  Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Knowledge of:

• Fish, freshwater mussels, aquatic insects and vegetation
• Principles and practices of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPWD), and TCEQ regulations and requirements that apply to water quality monitoring and environmental assessment
• Project development and implementation process
• Statistical analysis software and GIS
• Microsoft Office

Skills and Abilities:

• Communicating Orally and in writing
• Driving a boat and towing a trailer
• Collecting fish via electrofishing and seining
• Conducting habitat surveys and mussel surveys
• Technical/scientific writing and report preparation
• Ability to swim
• Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and SARA Core Values of Stewardship, Integrity, and Excellence.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work Environment and Physical Effort: (check the appropriate box:)

Sedentary:  Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Medium:  Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Heavy:  Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS continued

Work Locations: (select one frequency choice for each location listed:)

Exposures: (select one frequency choice for each exposure listed:)

San Antonio River Authority is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity.