The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is seeking a skilled and passionate Fisheries Biologist 2 to join our team in managing, conserving, and enhancing aquatic resources throughout the Commonwealth. This role involves propagation, fieldwork, laboratory analysis, data management, and collaboration with other agencies and the public to ensure the conservation and recovery of federal/state threatened, endangered species, and Species of Greatest Conservation Need. You will work alongside a team of dedicated professionals, applying science-based solutions to improve nongame conservation and restoration. Apply today to become a driving force in the protection and restoration of aquatic life in Pennsylvania!
This position assists the Huntsdale Species Recovery Unit Leader (Fisheries Biologist 3) with implementing a regional program to restore, recover, and propagate diadromous fishes, freshwater mussels, non-game fish, amphibians, reptiles, and other aquatic organisms; with focus on American Shad, threatened and endangered species, and Species of Greatest Conservation Need within these taxonomic groups. Work also involves serving on ad hoc and/or formal committees regarding propagation of nongame species, responding to emergency alarms/calls as appropriate, as well as working rotating weekends and holidays. Additional responsibilities may include:
This position assists the Huntsdale Species Recovery Unit Leader (Fisheries Biologist 3) with implementing a regional program to restore, recover, and propagate diadromous fishes, freshwater mussels, non-game fish, amphibians, reptiles, and other aquatic organisms; with focus on American Shad, threatened and endangered species, and Species of Greatest Conservation Need within these taxonomic groups. Work also involves serving on ad hoc and/or formal committees regarding propagation of nongame species, responding to emergency alarms/calls as appropriate, as well as working rotating weekends and holidays. Additional responsibilities may include:
- Field Leadership: Lead brood stock collection and monitoring work when the Unit Leader is not present and support recovery efforts for diadromous and rare species
- Species Propagation: Carry out propagation tasks for fish and mussel species of concern and maintain systems that support healthy growth and production goals
- Data Analysis: Collect biological samples, prepare and analyze otoliths, record accurate data, and enter findings into agency databases
- Habitat and Review Support: Assist with environmental reviews, habitat assessments, and technical guidance for threatened, endangered, and nongame species
- Public Outreach: Provide information to the public and take part in presentations and outreach events
- Program Assistance: Help develop and support restoration programs, permitting activities, grant work, and other tasks that aid species recovery and conservation
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment
- Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a 30-minute lunch, rotating weekend and holiday schedule.
- Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. Telework schedule will depend on operational needs. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Newville. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
- Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- One year of experience as a Fisheries Biologist 1, PFBC (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
- One year of professional experience conducting fish studies, fish investigations, or fish research and a bachelor’s degree in a biological science that includes or is supplemented by 12 college credits in fish biology, fisheries management, fish population dynamics, ichthyology, limnology, fish ecology, aquatic ecology, watershed ecology and management, wetland ecology and management, herpetology, freshwater entomology, fish culture, fish physiology, fish pathology, biometrics, or other courses closely related to fisheries science or aquatic ecology; or
- An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 12 college credits in fish biology, fisheries management, fish population dynamics, ichthyology, limnology, fish ecology, aquatic ecology, watershed ecology and management, wetland ecology and management, herpetology, freshwater entomology, fish culture, fish physiology, fish pathology, biometrics, or other courses closely related to fisheries science or aquatic ecology.
Special Requirements:
- This position requires possession of a valid driver’s license.
Other Requirements:
- PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Legal Requirements:
- This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
- Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
- Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
- Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
- Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
- You must provide complete and accurate information or:
- your score may be lower than deserved.
- you may be disqualified.
- You may only apply/test once for this posting.
- Your results will be provided via email.