Fisheries Biologist 2, PFBC

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania•Cumberland County, PA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is hiring a Fisheries Biologist 2 to help manage, conserve, and enhance aquatic resources throughout Pennsylvania. The position assists the Huntsdale Species Recovery Unit Leader (Fisheries Biologist 3) in implementing a regional program to restore, recover, and propagate diadromous fishes, freshwater mussels, nongame fish, amphibians, reptiles, and other aquatic organisms, with a focus on American Shad, threatened and endangered species, and Species of Greatest Conservation Need. The work includes propagation, fieldwork, laboratory analysis, data management, and collaboration with other agencies and the public. The biologist supports species recovery and conservation through field leadership, propagation and monitoring, biological sampling and data analysis, habitat assessments, environmental reviews, technical guidance, public outreach, restoration programs, permitting, and grant work. The position may also involve committee service, responding to emergency alarms or calls, and working a rotating weekend and holiday schedule. This is a full-time position with work hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and a 30-minute lunch. Part-time telework may be available depending on operational needs, from an approved location in Pennsylvania with a securely configured high-speed internet connection. Employees unable to telework may report to the headquarters office in Newville.

Requirements

One year of experience as a Fisheries Biologist 1, PFBC, or equivalent Federal Government job title as determined by the Office of Administration; or one year of professional experience conducting fish studies, investigations, or research and a bachelor’s degree in a biological science that includes or is supplemented by 12 college credits in relevant fisheries science or aquatic ecology courses; or an equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 12 relevant college credits.
Relevant coursework may include 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.
Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Ability to perform the essential job functions.
Applicants claiming education toward minimum qualifications must attach a copy of college transcripts; unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
A conditional offer requires submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Child Abuse history, and FBI Fingerprint clearances.

Responsibilities

Assist the Huntsdale Species Recovery Unit Leader in implementing regional restoration, recovery, and propagation programs for diadromous fishes, freshwater mussels, nongame fish, amphibians, reptiles, and other aquatic organisms.
Focus program work on American Shad, threatened and endangered species, and Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
Lead brood stock collection and monitoring work when the Unit Leader is not present.
Support recovery efforts for diadromous and rare species.
Carry out propagation tasks for fish and mussel species of concern and maintain systems that support healthy growth and production goals.
Collect biological samples, prepare and analyze otoliths, record accurate data, and enter findings into agency databases.
Assist with environmental reviews, habitat assessments, and technical guidance for threatened, endangered, and nongame species.
Provide information to the public and participate in presentations and outreach events.
Help develop and support restoration programs, permitting activities, grant work, and other species recovery and conservation tasks.
Serve on ad hoc and/or formal committees regarding propagation of nongame species.
Respond to emergency alarms or calls as appropriate.
Work a rotating weekend and holiday schedule.