2483-Biologist

Job description

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Title: Biologist

Job Code: 2483

INTRODUCTION

Under general supervision, the biologist conducts field monitoring studies ; provides technical and biological expertise, researches permits, agreements, and other regulatory documents; provides assessments of potential effects of new regulatory obligations in compliance with state and federal regulations; performs other record management and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC); keeps detailed and accurate field, laboratory, and analytical records; uses a laboratory information management system to track, control and generate reports.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The assignments within this professional job code vary in degree of complexity and responsibility that may encompass entry-level through the fully experienced journey/ professional level. The Biologist works under the general supervision of class 2485 Supervising Biologist and may assist class 2484 in non-routine work and special projects.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Positions at the journey level do not supervise other professional employees, but may coordinate the work of technical personnel (Class 2481).

MAJOR, IMPORTANT, AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Provides technical expertise in the development of monitoring protocols and study plans to ensure regulatory compliance and executes the protocols and the plans in the field and/or laboratory to ensure regulatory compliance and non-regulatory data collection.

2. Researches permits, agreements, and other regulatory documents and assists in providing assessments of potential effects to the department of new regulatory obligations and planning for changes in regulations.

3. Collects and analyzes various types of biological data in the field or laboratory.

4. Maintains detailed and accurate laboratory and field records.

5. Performs record and data management, data analyses, and quality assurance (QA)/quality control (QC) and maintains data integrity.

6. Works with regulatory agencies and diverse stakeholders, multidisciplinary teams, departmental officials, managers, staff, and public regarding departmental projects, permit compliance, and other activities.

7. Follows standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other established procedures.

8. Enters data into laboratory information management system (LIMS) or other databases.

9. Assists with coordination and scheduling of projects including preparation of staffing, sampling supplies field equipment and data sheets.

10. Prepares status reports, compliance reports, data analyses, map, graphic presentations, and technical memos, and reports.

11. Keeps abreast of best practices in laboratory or field studies, literature review, and interactions with experts.

12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Botany, Fisheries, Wildlife, Ecology, Taxonomy, Toxicology, or Microbiology biological methods, regulations and procedures. Knowledge of Quality Assurance/ Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures and requirements.

Ability to: participate in field sampling activities often under inclement conditions; lift and operate field sampling equipment; work independently; collect, synthesize, and analyze data in the field, airfield or lab; prepare written reports, keep accurate and detailed records of field and analytical activities; communicate scientific and technical information through graphs, charts, maps, data entries, memos and reports; work collaboratively and effectively with diverse and multi-disciplinary teams; resolve differences effectively; communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders including the public and regulatory agency staff .

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Possession of baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in environmental biology, marine biology, aquatic biology, wildlife biology, fisheries biology, limnology, aquatic toxicology, microbiology, biochemistry, or related science.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION

License or Certificate: Possession of a valid driver�s license.

PROMOTIVE LINES:

TO: 2484

ORIGINATION DATE: 12/04/00

AMENDED DATE: 1/14/14

REASON FOR AMENDMENT To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills and abilities defined in the most recent job analysis conducted for this job code.

BUSINESS UNIT(S): COMMN

Standard information

Disaster service work

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Historic and future compensation