Abolished 1/04/2004
FISHERIES BIOLOGIST SPECIALIST I
1877M1
- Pay Grade: 24
DEFINITION OF WORK
Summary
This is specialized, technical work in fish biology and
conservation in an assigned area of the state.
Standard Classification Factors
Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction…"
Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and
are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of
established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred
to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to
established policies and requirements.
Difficulty - LEVEL C: Considerable… Duties which require a
high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and
weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning,
developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall
into this category.
Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may
involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due
to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which
may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in
solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent
judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with
supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or
technical in nature requiring careful interpretation.
Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of
actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed
occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be
significant.
Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan,
coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit
opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when
the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward
mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills
are required.
Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical
exertion.
Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves
hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed
moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and
patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature,
ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific
safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible.
Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL B: Involves functional leadership
responsibility. As a "senior worker", performing essentially the same or similar
work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and
reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single
project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level
may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the
evaluation of work performance.
Distinguishing Features
Differs from the Fish Hatchery Assistant class in which the
incumbents perform specialized, technical work in the operation of a state fish hatchery
system.
Differs from the Fisheries Biologist Specialist II class in which
the incumbents perform professional and administrative fish biology and conservation work
on a statewide basis such as managing a state hatchery of selected fish species.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
Conducts a variety of surveys related to changing fish
populations, habitats, movements and patterns in order to predict population trends;
analyzes the effect of management programs for fish and their habitats; develops,
recommends, and implements improvements in management programs.
Plans, designs and implements a fisheries habitat improvement
program; develops plans for the construction and seeding of artificial fishery habitats;
advises landowners of fisheries management practices; and prepares a comprehensive plan
for fisheries programs.
Surveys habitat areas designated for highway, building, or other
public development work and land to be flooded; assesses and documents the effects on the
environment and on fish and their existing habitat.
Monitors the temperature, dissolved oxygen, acidity, alkalinity,
and carbon dioxide content of lake water and collects bottom material and water samples to
determine the kind and quantity of fish food organisms present.
Consults with county and municipal officials in the management and
improvement of waters and fish populations under their jurisdiction. Evaluates proposals
by these officials to improve the waters and fish populations in their jurisdiction.
Oversees fish populations in new and existing impoundments.
Investigates fish kills and water pollution to evaluate the effect
and extent of damages to the environment; recommends appropriate control procedures.
Confers with other personnel in developing comprehensive plans for
fisheries management and research programs; implements and maintains these programs.
Prepares budget requests, project and management reports, and
annual progress reports.
Speaks to community groups to promote and explain the programs of
the agency; corresponds with individuals requesting information on laws, regulations, and
fisheries management techniques; writes technical and non-technical articles for
newspapers, and for agency and related publications.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
Knowledge
*Knowledge of the principles and techniques of fisheries culture
and management including the biological concepts of botany, zoology, ecology, and
population dynamics.
*Knowledge of aquatic population sampling techniques and methods
of data collection and analysis.
*Knowledge of fish life histories.
*Knowledge of aquatic ecology and management.
*Knowledge of basic statistical concepts and measurements.
Abilities
*Ability to effectively organize and present information orally
and in writing.
*Ability to read and comprehend technical written material.
*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
with other biologists, local officials, and the public.
*Necessary at Entry
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree in fishery science/management
- NC: 06/93
- REV: 12/95
- REV: 10/98
- REV: 02/00
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