Career Opportunity

Biologist (2483) - Citywide (U00026)

Recruitment: REF40095L

Published: June 05, 2024

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About:

THIS IS A CITYWIDE EXAM

• Application Opening:  Wedensday, June 5, 2024
• Application Filing Deadline:  Friday, June 21, 2024 at 11:59PM (PDT)
• Recruitment ID: CBT-2483-U00026/ REF40095L

San Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city, on the forefront of economic growth & innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, as well as social issues & change. This rich tapestry of culture and ideas is sustained by our City's commitment to heighten the quality of life for the diverse population of San Franciscans and residents of the greater Bay Area. Our employees play an important role not only in making our City what it is today, but also in shaping the future of San Francisco.

About the Position: Under general supervision, the Biologist conducts field monitoring studies; collects and analyzes various types of biological data in the field, or laboratory; 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; follows Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other established procedures; keeps abreast of best practices in laboratory or field studies, literature review, and interactions with experts.

Depending on the specified area, positions assigned to each section may perform the tasks described in one or more of the following:

Bioassay (Natural Resources Division): The bioassay biologist (located at the Oceanside Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Francisco) performs chronic and acute WET bioassay testing in support of SFPUC water and wastewater treatment facilities. Additional responsibilities include: ensuring bioassay sample collection and testing meet test acceptability criteria and NPDES permit requirements; test organism maintenance and handling, maintaining and calibrating laboratory instrumentation; data analysis, interpretation and technical report preparation; shoreline sampling for indicator bacteria; offshore ocean sampling and performing other duties as required.

Ecology (Natural Resources Division): The ecology biologist (located at SFPUC Headquarters, 525 Golden Gate Ave, SF, with field work on watershed lands in San Mateo, Alameda, Santa Clara, and SF Counties) provides ecological expertise (e.g., botany, plant ecology, wildlife ecology, insect and other invertebrate ecology, fire ecology, biological invasion ecology, plant disease ecology, and related fields) for land management efforts and technical support for planning, permitting, and environmental compliance. This includes: Researching and assessing biological reports, scientific literature, other relevant documents, and field conditions in order to evaluate biological monitoring and reporting requirements; Helping to design/modify projects to protect, conserve, enhance, restore, and monitor watershed biodiversity and special-status resources; Participating in a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial monitoring studies; Reviewing draft permits, contract specifications, technical reports, education and interpretive program materials, and other documents for biological accuracy and scientific credibility; Working collaboratively with other SFPUC staff and stakeholders to help align SFPUC and stakeholder programs with regulatory requirements and best available science; and representing the SFPUC in meetings with regulatory agency staff and other stakeholders.

Fisheries (Natural Resources Division):  The fisheries biologist coordinates and participates in fisheries and related aquatic surveys on the Peninsula Watershed and/or Alameda Watershed. Fisheries-specific tasks include, but are not limited to, habitat; spawning; trapping; snorkeling and electrofishing surveys. Other tasks may include, but are not limited to, benthic macroinvertebrate; reptile; amphibian and wildlife; and water quality surveys. Provides biological and ecological technical support to inform watershed management, planning, and compliance. The fisheries biologist also takes part in survey data analyses and interpretation; the preparation of data summaries and technical reports; and the review of scientific documents. Other duties are performed as required. Works collaboratively with SFPUC staff, stakeholders, and other agencies.

Limnology (Natural Resources Division): The limnologist coordinates and conducts water quality surveys on lakes, reservoirs, and streams on the Peninsula Watershed and/or Alameda Watershed, and conducts a variety of laboratory analyses on the water samples collected. The position requires the collection of in-situ, discrete and composite sample data; following quality assurance and quality control measures; plankton identification and enumeration; data entry; data analyses; the interpretation and evaluation of survey results; the preparation of survey summaries and technical reports; and the review of scientific documents. Provides technical support to inform water system operations and management of reservoirs and other water bodies. Other tasks may include, but are not limited to, fisheries; benthic macroinvertebrate; reptile; amphibian; and wildlife surveys. Other duties are performed as required. Works collaboratively with SFPUC staff, stakeholders, and other agencies.

Marine Biology (Natural Resources Division): The marine biologist (located at Oceanside Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Francisco) provides accurate identifications to the lowest possible taxon (usually species level) of benthic infaunal and epibenthic invertebrates from marine and estuarine habitats in support of SFPUC projects and regulatory requirements. The position provides technical expertise in marine invertebrate taxonomy and nomenclature, is current with taxonomic literature, and interacts with appropriate professional organizations. Additional responsibilities include: offshore sampling of benthic habitats from a 60 ft vessel; shoreline sampling for indicator bacteria; data analysis, interpretation and technical report preparation; whole effluent toxicity (WET) bioassay testing and monitoring; and performing other duties as required.

Microbiology (Water Quality Division): The microbiology biologist (located in Moccasin or Millbrae, CA) conducts qualitative and quantitative analysis of drinking, waste and recreational water; may perform procedures for the recovery and identification of bacteria and parasites; performs preventative maintenance, makes standard solutions and reagents, maintains skills by participating in proficiency testing or other quality assurance programs, conducts testing to determine compliance with state and federal regulations; tests include presence/absence, multiple tube fermentation, membrane filtration, and heterotrophic plate count; analyzes, interprets test results; compiles data and generate technical reports; maintains accurate laboratory data, QA/QC protocols, and preventive maintenance records; assists in development of new test methodologies and analytical procedures for regulatory and operational needs. Additional responsibilities include performing chemistry work, but not limited to testing for pH, fluoride and turbidity. May work overtime, weekends and holidays; work schedule will be Tuesday-Saturday 8-5 PM and Sunday-Thursday 9-6 PM.

Parasitology (Water Quality Division): The parasitology biologist (located in Millbrae, CA) conducts qualitative and quantitative analysis of drinking, waste and recreational water; may perform procedures for the recovery and identification of bacteria and parasites; performs preventative maintenance, makes standard solutions and reagents, maintains skills by participating in proficiency testing or other quality assurance programs, conducts testing to determine compliance with state and federal regulations; tests include presence/absence, multiple tube fermentation, membrane filtration, and heterotrophic plate count; examination for protozoan parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, including collection, separation, concentration, detection and identification using specialized microscopy using fluorescence and differential interface contrast techniques; may operate complex microbial detection and speciation systems such as PCR and other molecular biological identification systems.  Additional responsibilities include data analysis, written reports, detailed and accurate records; chemistry work, including, but not limited to testing for pH, fluoride and turbidity. May collect water samples in remote or adverse conditions; may work overtime, weekends and holidays; work schedule will be Monday-Friday 8-5 PM.

Terrestrial Biology and Restoration (Natural Resources Division): The terrestrial biologist (Millbrae, SF, Sunol, and/or Moccasin) coordinates and participates in restoration, mitigation, and stewardship activities and monitoring; evaluates the work of contractors, consultants, and staff working on projects to protect special status species and sensitive habitats; and provides biological and ecological technical support to inform watershed management, planning, and compliance. Work may include, but is not limited to, native and non-native plant surveys; vegetation community surveys; surveys for wildlife, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, invertebrates, and their habitats. Collects, analyzes, and interprets data; writes and reviews documents and technical reports, and performs other duties as required. Works collaboratively with SFPUC staff, stakeholders, and other agencies.

Role description

NATURE OF THE WORK: Some positions may require working in the field, watersheds, estuaries, streams, and rivers, on monitoring vessels in lakes, San Francisco Bay or the Pacific Ocean, with mechanical/electrical equipment, may involve working with and around fish and wildlife and hazardous materials (including treated and untreated wastewater); in the Airfield Operations Area (AOA), sensitive habitat areas, at the airport and mitigation sites in the Bay Area. Some positions require working in the laboratory which may include handling hazardous chemicals and pathogenic agents.  Some positions may require driving or hiking to remote locations on unimproved dirt or mountain roads in inclement weather; may have little or no advance notice for fieldwork and may be required to work overtime, shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

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.

How to qualify

Minimum Qualifications: Minimum qualifications reflect the lowest level of acceptable education and/or experience required of an individual such that the individual reasonably could be expected to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position.  Candidates must meet all the requirements established by the MQs to be considered for the position. 

• Education: 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; AND
• Licenses: Possession of a current valid driver’s license.

Note: One year of full-time employment is equivalent to 2000 hours. (2000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40-hour work week.) 

Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed to advance through all of the steps in the selection process.

Verification of Education and Experience: Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. For more information on how to verify your experience or education please click here. 

Verification of required work experience typically must be on the employer’s letterhead, and must include the applicant’s name, job title, description of job duties, dates of employment, hours per week, and signature of the employer, supervisor, or appropriate representative.

Employees of the City and County of San Francisco may submit performance evaluations showing duties performed to verify qualifying City experience. City employees will receive credit for the duties of the class to which appointed. Credit for experience obtained outside of the employee's class will be allowed only if recorded in accordance with the provisions of Civil Service Commission Rules. CCSF employees will not receive credit for experience obtained outside of their classification unless recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Service Rule 110.9.1/111A.11.2.

Experience claimed in self-employment will only be accepted if supported by documents verifying income, earnings, business license and experience comparable to minimum qualifications above. Copies of income tax papers or other documents listing occupation and total earnings must be submitted.

Verification of qualifying education is a copy of your transcript or diploma. For more information, please click here.

Verification of required valid licensure/certification typically must be a photocopy of the license/certificate including the name of the issuing agency as well as the name of the license/certificate holder, license/certificate number, and expiration date.

Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.

Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores.

What else should I know?

Selection Procedures:
After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following: 

Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire (MQSQ): (Weight:  Qualifying) Candidates will be required to complete a MQSQ as part of the employment application at a later time. This MQSQ is designed to obtain specific information regarding an applicant's experience in relation to the Minimum Qualifications (MQ) for this position. The MQSQ will be used to evaluate if the applicant possesses the required minimum qualifications.

Situational Judgment Test (Weight:100%): 

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be sent a Situational Judgment Test via electronic mail after the closing of this filing period. The Situational Judgment Test is designed to measure the knowledge, skills and/or abilities in job-related areas required for the position.  Applicants will be given a deadline to complete the Situational Judgment Test. Those who do not complete the Situational Judgment Test by the established deadline will not be eligible to continue in the examination process and will not be added to eligibility list resulting from this process.

A passing score on the Situational Judgment Test must be achieved in order to be placed/ranked on the Eligible List. Candidates will be placed on the eligible list in rank order according to their final score.

NOTE:  Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed to advance through all of the steps in the selection process.

Eligible List/Score Report: A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created, and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established, so applicants can view the ranks, final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information, including names of applicants on the eligible list, shall not be made public unless required by law. However, an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection, upon request, once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process is subject to change after adoption (e.g., as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission.

The duration of the eligible list resulting from this examination process will be of twelve (12) months, and may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director.

Certification: The certification rule for the eligible list resulting from this examination will be Rule of the Ten (10). The hiring department may administer additional position-specific selection procedures prior to making final hiring decisions.

To find Departments which use this classification, please see here.

Terms of Announcement and Appeal Rights: Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations. [Note: The correction of clerical errors in an announcement may be posted on the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.sf.gov/] The terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 110.4. Such appeals must be submitted in writing to the Department of Human Resources, 1 S Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-5413 by close of business on the 5th business day following the issuance date of this examination announcement. Information concerning other Civil Service Commission Rules involving announcements, applications and examination policies, including applicant appeal rights, can be found on the Civil Service Commission website at http://sfgov.org/civilservice/rules. 

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco

• Information About The Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview  
• Equal Employment Opportunity 
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Veterans Preference
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

How to Apply: Applications for City and County of San Francisco jobs are only accepted through an online process. Visit https://careers.sf.gov/ and begin the application process.

• Select the “Apply Now” button and follow instructions on the screen 

Applicants may be contacted by email about this recruitment and, therefore, it is their responsibility to ensure that their registered email address is accurate and kept up-to-date. Also, applicants must ensure that email from CCSF is not blocked on their computer by a spam filter. To prevent blocking, applicants should set up their email to accept CCSF mail from the following addresses (@sfgov.org, @sfdpw.org, @sfport.com, @flysfo.com, @sfwater.org, @sfdph.org, @asianart.org, @sfmta.com, @sfpl.org, @dcyf.org, @first5sf.org, @famsf.org, @ccsf.edu, @smartalerts.info, @careers.sf.gov and @smartrecruiters.com).

Applicants will receive a confirmation email that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

Having trouble? If you are having trouble with the application, please visit https://sfdhr.org/having-technical-difficulties or email supportfeedback@smartr.me. SmartRecruiters recommends using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge web browser to submit your application.

Recruitment Analyst Information: If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the analyst, Laurie Gee via email at LGee@sfwater.org.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.