F&W-2025-19 Senior Biologist, Fisheries
NJ
Full Time
Fish and Wildlife
Mid Level
Open to: Program Wide
Work Week: NE (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: (P22) $67,312.27 - $98,503.27
Opening Date: 12/01/2025
Closing Date: 12/15/2025
Existing Vacancies: 2
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Fish and Wildlife
Position 1: Freshwater Fisheries – Lebanon Lab
1255 Rt. 629
Lebanon, NJ 08833
Position 2: Marine Habitat and Shellfisheries
360 New York Road
Port Republic, NJ 08241
Scope of Eligibility
Open to permanent employees in a competitive title who work for the Fish & Wildlife Program and meet the requirements below.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please be advised that a promotional examination has been announced for this position by the CSC (Symbol #: PS2212G). The selected provisional may be impacted once the promotional list is issued, based on the outcome of the examination results.
Description
Under the limited supervision of a Principal Biologist, Fisheries or other supervisory official in the Department of Environmental Protection, takes the lead in performing the more complex/difficult work relating to biological research and data analysis, environmental impact reviews, and the development of marine and freshwater fisheries management programs; does other related duties as required.
Specific to the Position
Position 1: This position is responsible for overseeing the State's Coolwater Fisheries Management Program (Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Walleye and Hybrid Striped Bass), along with the Lake Salmonid Program including statewide monitoring of populations, implementing programs, assigning stocking rates, developing research projects, and required reporting. This position is also responsible for managing the fisheries resources within the Passaic River Drainage, including reviewing permit application, interacting with the angling and scientific community, monitoring wild fish populations, recommending regulation changes, along with many other senior biologist level duties.
Position 2: Position will conduct marine fisheries field sampling, collecting biological samples and identifying and enumerating marine finfish and shellfish specimens, assist in proofreading and entering data and conducts ecological and other technical studies. Lead all hard clam FMP and estuarine inventory related duties, as well as associated monitoring and research initiatives and be MRA's expert on nature-based solution and related coastal resiliency matters. Prepare and develop habitat assessments, finfish and shellfish population estimates and prepare clear, sound, accurate and informative reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations and assist in the evaluation of the impacts of activities related to coastal development.
Preferred Skill Set
Position 1: Experience in managing the freshwater fisheries within a watershed region, overseeing a major freshwater fisheries program and designing, carrying out, and reporting on freshwater fisheries research project.
Position 2: Extensive knowledge of New Jersey's commercial and recreational fisheries, shellfish and marine fish biology, marine habitat issues, as well as interstate fisheries management processes and/or shellfish aquaculture methods. Extensive knowledge of federal regulations, state statutes and state regulations pertaining to fisheries and shellfisheries resources and management as well as excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively
Requirements
EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in one of the Biological Sciences, Natural Resource Management, or Environmental Science with a major concentration in Fisheries Science and/or Wildlife Science.
EXPERIENCE:
Two (2) years of experience in fisheries biology, fisheries management, fisheries husbandry, fisheries research, and/or the development of fisheries management programs.
NOTE: A Master’s degree in Fisheries Management or a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.
NOTE: All U.S. degrees and transcripts must be from an accredited college or university. All foreign degrees and transcripts must be evaluated for accreditation by a recognized evaluation service by the closing date of this posting. Failure to provide documentation may result in ineligibility.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Benefits
As a New Jersey State Department, NJDEP offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Veteran's Preference
To qualify for New Jersey Veteran's Preference/status, you must establish Veteran's Preference through the Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated. For more information, please visit https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/civil-service-preference/
Residency
All persons newly hired on or after September 1, 2011, have one year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain principal residence in the State of New Jersey subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L.2011, Chapter 70), also known as the “New Jersey First Act”.
Authorization to Work
Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship, and Immigration Services regulations. NOTE: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for citizenship to the United States.
Equal Opportunity Employment
The State of New Jersey seeks to increase the richness and diversity of its workforce, and in doing so, become the employer of choice for all people seeking to work in State Government. To evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts to attract and employ a diverse workforce, applicants are asked to voluntarily answer a few brief questions on the NJ Affirmative Action Information Form. All information is considered confidential and will be filed separately with the agency's affirmative action officer. This information will not be part of your application for employment and will not be considered in any hiring decision.
Work Week: NE (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: (P22) $67,312.27 - $98,503.27
Opening Date: 12/01/2025
Closing Date: 12/15/2025
Existing Vacancies: 2
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Fish and Wildlife
Position 1: Freshwater Fisheries – Lebanon Lab
1255 Rt. 629
Lebanon, NJ 08833
Position 2: Marine Habitat and Shellfisheries
360 New York Road
Port Republic, NJ 08241
Scope of Eligibility
Open to permanent employees in a competitive title who work for the Fish & Wildlife Program and meet the requirements below.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please be advised that a promotional examination has been announced for this position by the CSC (Symbol #: PS2212G). The selected provisional may be impacted once the promotional list is issued, based on the outcome of the examination results.
Description
Under the limited supervision of a Principal Biologist, Fisheries or other supervisory official in the Department of Environmental Protection, takes the lead in performing the more complex/difficult work relating to biological research and data analysis, environmental impact reviews, and the development of marine and freshwater fisheries management programs; does other related duties as required.
Specific to the Position
Position 1: This position is responsible for overseeing the State's Coolwater Fisheries Management Program (Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Walleye and Hybrid Striped Bass), along with the Lake Salmonid Program including statewide monitoring of populations, implementing programs, assigning stocking rates, developing research projects, and required reporting. This position is also responsible for managing the fisheries resources within the Passaic River Drainage, including reviewing permit application, interacting with the angling and scientific community, monitoring wild fish populations, recommending regulation changes, along with many other senior biologist level duties.
Position 2: Position will conduct marine fisheries field sampling, collecting biological samples and identifying and enumerating marine finfish and shellfish specimens, assist in proofreading and entering data and conducts ecological and other technical studies. Lead all hard clam FMP and estuarine inventory related duties, as well as associated monitoring and research initiatives and be MRA's expert on nature-based solution and related coastal resiliency matters. Prepare and develop habitat assessments, finfish and shellfish population estimates and prepare clear, sound, accurate and informative reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations and assist in the evaluation of the impacts of activities related to coastal development.
Preferred Skill Set
Position 1: Experience in managing the freshwater fisheries within a watershed region, overseeing a major freshwater fisheries program and designing, carrying out, and reporting on freshwater fisheries research project.
Position 2: Extensive knowledge of New Jersey's commercial and recreational fisheries, shellfish and marine fish biology, marine habitat issues, as well as interstate fisheries management processes and/or shellfish aquaculture methods. Extensive knowledge of federal regulations, state statutes and state regulations pertaining to fisheries and shellfisheries resources and management as well as excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively
Requirements
EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in one of the Biological Sciences, Natural Resource Management, or Environmental Science with a major concentration in Fisheries Science and/or Wildlife Science.
EXPERIENCE:
Two (2) years of experience in fisheries biology, fisheries management, fisheries husbandry, fisheries research, and/or the development of fisheries management programs.
NOTE: A Master’s degree in Fisheries Management or a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.
NOTE: All U.S. degrees and transcripts must be from an accredited college or university. All foreign degrees and transcripts must be evaluated for accreditation by a recognized evaluation service by the closing date of this posting. Failure to provide documentation may result in ineligibility.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Benefits
As a New Jersey State Department, NJDEP offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Paid Benefit Leave
- Holiday Pay
- Alternative Workweek Program*
- Telework*
- Pension
- Deferred Compensation
- Health Benefits (medical, prescription drug, dental & vision care) and Life Insurance
- Flexible and Health Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
- Commuter Tax Savings Program
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Tuition Reimbursement*
Veteran's Preference
To qualify for New Jersey Veteran's Preference/status, you must establish Veteran's Preference through the Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated. For more information, please visit https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/civil-service-preference/
Residency
All persons newly hired on or after September 1, 2011, have one year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain principal residence in the State of New Jersey subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L.2011, Chapter 70), also known as the “New Jersey First Act”.
Authorization to Work
Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship, and Immigration Services regulations. NOTE: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for citizenship to the United States.
Equal Opportunity Employment
The State of New Jersey seeks to increase the richness and diversity of its workforce, and in doing so, become the employer of choice for all people seeking to work in State Government. To evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts to attract and employ a diverse workforce, applicants are asked to voluntarily answer a few brief questions on the NJ Affirmative Action Information Form. All information is considered confidential and will be filed separately with the agency's affirmative action officer. This information will not be part of your application for employment and will not be considered in any hiring decision.
DEP Notices of Vacancy have a 4:00 p.m. deadline on the closing date. When filing for these opportunities, please be sure to have your letter of interest and credentials sent electronically before 4 p.m. on the closing date.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to inclusive hiring and a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. Accommodations under ADA will be provided upon request.
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