NJ Civil Service Navigator

ECOLOGIST

Code: 07957 Local Competitive

In New Jersey, Ecologist is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.

Qualifying takes a bachelor's degree and 2 years of relevant experience.

How to apply

This title is filled by competitive examination.

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Where this title is used

Ecologist is a local service title. It is filled by the counties, municipalities, authorities and other employers that have adopted civil service under Title 11A, not by State departments. Those employers set pay by ordinance or contract rather than from a State salary schedule, which is why most local titles carry no salary range here.

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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 direction, develops and conducts planning studies of natural resources, including vegetation, wildlife, soil, and water; prepares and maintains inventories of natural resources; collects and researches data and provides recommendations for the management of natural resources; does related work as required.

Examples of work

  • Studies ecology of organisms.
  • Develops conservation measures for safeguarding natural resources.
  • Reads journals or other publications for the purpose of keeping abreast of developments in the field.
  • Identifies plant or animal communities.
  • Classifies plant or animal communities.
  • Determines the type, location, and quantity of samples or specimens needed.
  • Provides technical advice to staff, peers, or management concerning the management of natural and cultivated resources.
  • Designs maps.
  • Solicits technical information.
  • Prepares applications for permits for projects of the department.
  • Plans experiments and research.
  • Writes statements of environmental impact.
  • Plans disease, pest, pollution, or radiation detection programs.
  • Provides recommendations for the management of natural resources.
  • Collects samples or specimens.
  • Codes samples, specimens, or findings.
  • Inventories plant or animal populations indigenous to the area.
  • Conducts research and study programs of natural resources including vegetation, wildlife, soils and topography, and surface water analysis.
  • Interprets charts and graphs.
  • Evaluates suitability of soils and topography to make recommendations concerning development.
  • May be required to learn 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 with a Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Horticulture, Botany, Forestry, Biology or other closely related natural or environmental science.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in developing and conducting studies of natural or environmental resources, natural resource utilization, or conservation planning.

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 cartography.
  • Knowledge of the principles of ecology.
  • Knowledge of environmental sciences.
  • Knowledge of the principles of conservation of natural resources.
  • Knowledge of the principles of conservation of living resources.
  • Knowledge of wetlands ecology.
  • Knowledge of the principles of botany.
  • Knowledge of tidal marsh ecology.
  • Knowledge of experimental design and sampling methods.
  • Ability to conduct research and study programs.
  • Ability to design charts, maps, or graphs from raw data.
  • Ability to establish goals and set priorities.
  • Ability to follow oral orders, directions, or plans.
  • Ability to convey information in a written format.
  • Ability to keep accurate records.
  • Ability to synthesize facts to reach logical conclusions.
  • Ability to comprehend, interpret, and evaluate relevant information from various types of resource materials.
  • Ability to collect data through questioning.
  • Ability to learn 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 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 accommodations cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

A Master's degree in one of the fields listed above may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.