This is supervisory professional biology work with administrative responsibility in the planning, design and supervision of biological programs in the conservation and management of resources.

An employee in this class supervises qualitative and quantitative biological investigations in specialized fields such as tropical community ecology, ecological modeling, soils ecology, coastal construction and toxicology. Supervision is exercised over a group of professional, technical and clerical assistants by delegation of assigned projects and review of completed work for quality of results. Responsibilities include coordination of biological activities with other public agencies and private organizations, planning of comprehensive evaluation studies, providing of expert witness testimony as needed and administrative duties in the requisitioning of materials and recommending of new procedures. Typical assignments are broad in scope with considerable opportunity for exercising independent judgment and making complex decisions. General supervision is received from a professional superior who reviews results for conformity with departmental policies, practices and regulations and for attainment of desired objectives.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Supervises advance planning and preparation of nearshore monitoring programs; supervises preparation of construction plans, cost estimates and contract documents for coastal construction and beach restoration projects; reviews and reports on designs and plans for similar work submitted for approval and permit.

Supervises a staff of field biologists and technicians in the monitoring of coastal construction and beach restoration projects, including dredge and fill activities, sea-wall construction, marina development, alterations to inland terrestrial and aquatic communities, and fish and bird kills and their causes.

Directs difficult research, experiments and comprehensive evaluation studies to determine long range effects of existing and potential air and water contamination on the structure and diversity of terrestrial, aquatic and marine communities.

Directs and evaluates large scale or complex microbiological investigations seeking 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.

Improves upon and develops new field and laboratory procedures; develops quality control techniques and analyzes sampling and testing procedures; requisitions materials and equipment.

Provides expert witness testimony as needed.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

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

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

Thorough knowledge of current trends and research in terrestrial, aquatic and marine biology in tropical environments.

Considerable knowledge of community ecology and coastal ecosystems.

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

Ability to organize and direct complex biological programs in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

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

Ability to establish and maintain good public relations through contacts with individuals, organizations and representatives of other agencies.

Ability to develop improved quality control, sampling and testing techniques.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

NEW 10-77