Biologist jobs in Maine

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COORDINATOR 

(IF&W SENIOR RESOURCE BIOLOGIST)

Opening Date:

May 21, 2024

Closing Date:

June 11, 2024

Location:

Augusta

Position #:

01867-0338

Position Type:

Full Time

Class Code:

9387

Grade/Salary:

Grade 28 - $58,344.00 - $78,582.40/Annually

Do you love Maine’s natural resources, have a working knowledge of state and federal environmental laws as well as skills communicating natural resource protection measures? Join the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W) to lead one of the Department’s essential programs to protect the State’s fish and wildlife resources!

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is seeking an Environmental Review Coordinator (IF&W Senior Resource Biologist) to oversee and act as the lead project reviewer in the Environmental Review Program. The Program is charged with assessment of permit applications submitted under various state and federal laws and coordinating Department recommendations for species and habitat protection measures. This position requires you to work in a team-oriented environment as well as independently to ensure the timely reviews of hundreds of projects and public requests annually. The position is located within the Habitat Conservation Section and is based in IF&Ws Augusta office. 

Position duties include:

• Providing timely assessment and guidance regarding science-based species and habitat protection measures.
• Providing critical review and approval of all staff-generated environmental reviews and other work products.
• Working with the IF&W biological staff, state and federal regulatory partners, and permit applicants to implement consistent and effective recommendations for avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating impacts to fish and wildlife habitats.
• Representing the Department at interagency meetings and providing technical assistance related to fish and wildlife issues.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Environmental Review Program Supervisor, Habitat Section Supervisor, Bureau Director, or Commissioner's Office.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Fisheries or Wildlife Management, or related field -AND- two (2) years of progressively responsible related laboratory or field research and/or management experience.  Equivalent experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferences will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in the FERC hydroelectric relicensing process and managing the reviews of complex projects, including both onshore and offshore wind power and industrial solar development. Knowledge of Maine’s species and habitats as well as applicable state and federal natural resource, environmental, and land use laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Preference will also be given to candidates with project management experience, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to work under limited supervision in an oftentimes fast-paced environment with competing priorities and time-sensitive deadlines. 

The Supplemental Questions below MUST  be answered and submitted with your application for us to process your application.

1. Provide a summary of your professional experience implementing natural resources laws, rules, and regulations.
2. This position requires the ability to synthesize varied comments from multiple interests on a myriad of land use proposals and to deliver fair, scientifically valid, and consistent input. Please provide an example of when you have faced similiar challenges and describe your experience assessing environmental impacts and evaluating mitigated measures.
3. Please describe your experience managing multiple and competing priorities and maintaining a timely delivery of service, specifically related to fisheries, wildlife, or other environmental issues.
4. Please provide an example of a past work situation in which you had to work as part of a team and seek input from other individuals or organizations and develop a product based on that input.                      

                               INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants will need to complete and submit an online State of Maine Direct Hire Application, along with a Cover Letter, detailed Resume, and Answers to the Supplemental Questions at: https://www.maine.gov/nrsc/jobs/index.shtml#ifw

Direct Hire Application forms can be obtained by accessing the NRSC website at: https://www.maine.gov/nrsc/jobs/application.shtml 

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO APPLY ONLINE: Please mail the application materials listed in the "How to Apply" section to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155.

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No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3 weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.  
• Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.41% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.  
• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you.  Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting.  If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.