This is professional biology work in the conservation and management of terrestrial and aquatic biological resources.

Employees in this class are engaged in biological investigations and analytical work in one or more phases of an environmental resources program which includes pollution control, water management, environmental planning and special studies. Incumbents typically investigate public complaints, conduct field investigations and conduct tests for violation of county pollution control ordinances. Duties include field sampling, laboratory analysis and reporting of various ecological conditions constituting current or potential environmental hazards. Employees exercise knowledge of biological principles, methods, techniques and procedures applicable in the areas of assignment. Work is performed in accordance with standardized field and laboratory methods and techniques with limited judgment exercised in recognizing abnormal test results. Supervision is received from a professional superior who assigns work, reviews field and laboratory data and assists in analyses and code interpretations.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Collects and prepares biological samples for qualitative and quantitative analyses, using biological sampling equipment.

Identifies organisms and broadly classifies them; assists in the rearing and culturing of organisms for laboratory experimentation and sets up less difficult experiments to determine the effects of pollutants upon these organisms, as assigned.

Performs related chemical analyses, including conductivity, pH, alkalinity, hardness and dissolved oxygen as needed for field surveys.

Makes on-site inspections of proposed dredge and fill projects.

Conducts field inspections during coastal construction, dredge and fill projects to insure compliance with permit limitations and protection of biological resources.

Keeps detailed records involving descriptions of field surveys and laboratory experiments; prepares reports from records and prepares preliminary valuations of the results

and findings obtained.

Assists in long range research and comprehensive evaluation studies as assigned.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge of the science of biology in the areas of assignment including basic principles and techniques of biological investigation and analysis.

Knowledge of standardized methods, techniques and equipment used in biology collection, sampling and laboratory analysis.

Knowledge of county ordinances relating to pollution control.

Some knowledge of community ecology.

Some knowledge of ecological conditions which constitute current or potential environmental hazards.

Some knowledge of current trends and research in terrestrial and aquatic biology.

Ability to apply scientific knowledge in biological sampling, laboratory analysis and reporting of ecological conditions.

Ability to carry out field and laboratory assignments in accord with standardized procedures.

Ability to identify and classify organisms in the scientific areas of assignment.

Ability to evaluate findings from field surveys and laboratory experiments.

Ability to prepare and submit accurate and complete records and reports.

NEW 10-77