SENIOR BIOLOGIST, FISHERIES

Code: 01753C State Competitive Range: P22 (FY 2027) Work week NE: FLSA coveredOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $69,668.2 - $101,950.9/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 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.

Examples of work

• Develops and executes work plans for the propagation, feeding, care, and distribution of fish as well as for the construction/maintenance of buildings, pools, reservoirs, troughs, and other structures used in rearing fish.
• Develops and takes the lead in the implementation of Federal and State funded fisheries research and management programs.
• Takes the lead in the artificial propagation and care of fish to the size desired for stocking.
• Conducts surveys of streams, lakes, estuaries, and coastal and offshore waters; samples their fish populations using various types of equipment including gill nets, electrofishing units, trap nets, fyke nets, trawls, seines, dredges, rakes, and tongs.
• Assesses food availability, habitat, quality, population structure, and relative abundance for fish.
• Prepares various diets designed to reduce fish feeding costs, increase growth, and improve the color and condition of fish.
• Obtains and analyzes the stomach contents of fish for parasites and/or other diseases and provides treatment for the diseased fish.
• Makes determinations of angler utilization and success through creel censuses, tag returns, or other user survey methods.
• Plans sampling strategies and analyzes collected data using statistical methods where appropriate to reach scientific conclusions regarding fisheries research projects.
• Reviews projects having potential impact on the state's fisheries resources, and makes recommendations to mitigate or avoid adverse impacts.
• Conducts ecological studies of various aquatic and marine environments.
• Uses biometrics in obtaining samples and in applying scientific knowledge derived from sampling activities to the problems of the whole fisheries population.
• Prepares articles, pamphlets, and other educational materials for publication and conducts presentations on work related topics to interested groups.
• Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative scientific, statistical, and other related reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Prepares detailed correspondence.
• Maintains essential records, reports, and files.
• Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

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.

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.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of fisheries biology and biometrics.
• Knowledge of the principles and methods of large-scale fisheries management including the propagation, feeding, care, distribution of fish, and the structures used in rearing fish.
• Knowledge of the practices and procedures used to measure fish populations, survey of lakes/streams, and other technical biological work.
• Knowledge of modern laboratory and field equipment, routines, procedures, and methods and their application to fisheries biological work.
• Knowledge of the statistical methods used in the evaluation of biological data.
• Knowledge of the signs of the presence of parasites and diseases of fish and of measures to be used in combating such parasites and diseases.
• Knowledge of the methods used to conduct ecological studies of various aquatic and marine environments.
• Knowledge of the Federal and State statutes and regulations dealing with the fisheries resource and its management.
• Ability to read and understand Federal and State statutes and regulations dealing with the fisheries resource and its management.
• Ability to organize assigned field and laboratory work concerned with fisheries management.
• Ability to take the lead in the artificial propagation and care of fish to the desired size for stocking.
• Ability to analyzes the stomach contents of fish for parasites and/or other diseases and provide treatment for the diseased fish.
• Ability to prepare fish diets designed to reduce feeding costs, increase fish growth, and improve the color and condition of fish.
• Ability to conduct surveys of streams, lakes, estuaries, coastal and offshore waters, and their fish populations to determine the status of the resource and the parameters influencing it.
• Ability to use biometrics of obtaining samples and to apply the knowledge gained from this sampling to whole fish populations.
• Ability to use varied types of gear, including gill nets, electrofishing gear, trap nets, fyke nets, trawls, and seines.
• Ability to prepare articles, pamphlets, and other educational materials for public distribution and conduct presentations on work related topics to interested groups.
• Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative scientific, statistical, and other related reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to prepare detailed correspondence.
• Ability to maintain essential records, reports, and files.
• Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform 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 if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. 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 Fisheries Management or a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.