PRINCIPAL BIOLOGIST (TRANSPORTATION)

Code: 01744C State Competitive Range: R26 (FY 2027) Work week 4E: FLSA exemptOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $83,582.01 - $122,831.91/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the direction of a Supervising Engineer or other supervisor officer in the Environmental Control Section, Bureau of Quality Control, Department of Transportation, supervises and/or makes field investigations and surveys and performs the more complex studies on the surface waters in terms of biological environment for use in transportation studies, correlates data from observations and review of existing scientific literature for inclusion in transportation related technical Water Quality Reports; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Supervises and/or performs the field investigations required to evaluate the quality of surface water in terms of the total biological environment for use in transportation related environmental studies.
• Supervises and/or performs the correlations of data from observations and review of existing scientific literature and prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative biological reports on assigned studies and investigation, including findings, conclusions and recommendations for inclusion in transportation related technical Water Quality Reports.
• Assigns, instructs and participates in the collecting and analyzing of benthic samples to determine pre and post-construction conditions of various aquatic environments. Erects, instructs and performs laboratory and field studies of samples collected from streams, lakes, impoundments, estuaries, ocean waters, ground water, domestic and industrial wastewaters to determine the quality of such water and the effects of actual or potential pollutants upon the aquatic biota.
• Direct and prepare wildlife population estimates.
• Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees.
• Identifies fish and aquatic plant species.
• Collects records and analyzes limnological data.
• Reviews scientific and other literature on the methods for water pollution control or in controlling undesirable biological conditions.
• Supervises and/or performs surveys of estuarine bio tapes designed to inventory existing populations.
• Supervises the requisitioning, safeguarding, recording and proper use of equipment, materials and supplies used in biologic investigation.
• Supervises the maintenance of essential records and files.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biological science.

Experience

Three (3) years of professional experience in the study of aquatic or benthic organisms, one (1) year of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.

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 essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Thorough knowledge of biometrics and methods and procedures used in performing biological studies of surface water, wastewaters, and potable water supplies as related to transportation projects.
• Ability to acquire thorough knowledge of environmental laws and the administrative techniques involved in planning and supervising the biologic phases of water quality report preparation.
• Thorough knowledge of estuarine population dynamics.
• Ability to acquire thorough knowledge of the functions of other related state, interstate and Federal agencies, and academic, public and private groups.
• Ability to supervise the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees.
• Ability to identify fish, invertebrates and aquatic plants.
• Ability to supervise and/or prepare sound, accurate and informative reports on biologic investigations containing finding, conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to determine practical methods necessary to resolve biologic problems of water pollution that may arise from transportation related construction activity.
• Ability to meet and work with official agencies of government, the academic sector and the general public with respect to Bureau programs.
• Ability to present factual data as a witness for the State and to give testimony under oath in court and at hearing.
• Ability to supervise and maintenance essential records and files.
• Ability to supervise and/or plan aquatic biologic studies, surveys, inventories and investigations.
• Good health and freedom from disabling physical and mental defects which would impair the proper performance of the required duties or which might endanger the health and safety of oneself or others.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

A Master's degree in Biological Science may be substituted for one year of experience.

A doctorate in Biological Science may be substituted for the three years of indicated experience.