This is advanced professional biology work with some supervisory responsibility in the conservation and management of terrestrial and aquatic biological resources.

Employees in this class are typically responsible for direct professional supervision of biologists and technical personnel engaged in conducting qualitative and quantitative biological investigations, using field and laboratory analyses. Supervision is exercised through assignment of work, control of field and laboratory procedures, and responsibility for reporting of investigative results. Incumbents are required to assist in species identification, community structure analyses and ecosystem modeling, and conduct research or evaluation studies as assigned. Emphasis is on study of the life history, habits, classification and economic relationships of organisms as well as investigations involving the quantitative determination of interrelations between species and the effects of natural and manmade changes of the environment on their survival and growth. General supervision is received from a professional superior who reviews work through conferences, written reports and occasional observation of field and laboratory procedures.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Supervises biological field investigations and laboratory analysis of biological samples for identification, standing crop and diversity of species present.

Conducts research, experiments and comprehensive evaluation studies to determine the long range effects of existing and potential air and water contamination on biological communities.

Conducts microbiological investigations to determine the microflora found in potable water supply systems and their effect on human health and the pollutant attenuating effect of local soil and associated soil microorganisms.

Trains and supervises biology technicians in biological methods; assists in developing quality control techniques, and analyzes sampling and testing procedures.

Reviews and analyzes coastal construction, dredge and fill permit applications and plans.

Prepares and submits detailed reports of biological field and laboratory activities.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

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

Considerable knowledge of methods, techniques and equipment used in biology collection, sampling and laboratory analysis.

Knowledge of community ecology and coastal ecosystems.

Knowledge of ecological conditions which constitute current or potential environment hazards.

Knowledge of current trends and research in terrestrial and aquatic biology.

Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Ability to apply scientific knowledge in various field investigations, laboratory analyses and reporting of ecological conditions.

Ability to conduct research, experiments and studies in long range effects of environmental contamination on biological communities.

Ability to conduct microbiological investigations in water and soil studies.

Ability to make decisions which will affect the integrity of the coastal ecosystem.

Ability to evaluate findings from difficult field surveys and laboratory experiments.

Ability to supervise the work of a professional staff in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

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

NEW 10-77