JOB TITLE: FISHERIES BIOLOGIST 1, PFBC

JOB CODE: 14750

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Fisheries Biologist series describes work for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) related to research, management, conservation, and protection of fish, fisheries, reptiles, amphibians, and other aquatic organisms, including threatened and endangered species, to enhance the commonwealth’s aquatic resources and associated angling opportunities.

DEFINITION: This is beginning level professional work in the field of fisheries biology.

An employee in this job performs beginning level assignments in fisheries management, environmental services, aquatic habitat enhancement and restoration, and fish production. Work involves applying fish biology theories, procedures, and methods to examine, research, and analyze data; formulate hypothesis; evaluate results; and prepare reports for routine field or laboratory assignments. Work includes assisting in developing fisheries management plans; monitoring fisheries management techniques such as stocking, resource sampling surveys, and creel surveys; protecting water quality and habitat through evaluating permit applications and damage assessments; evaluating fish culture practices; identifying fish disease and mitigation practices; collecting information for assessing environmental impacts on aquatic organisms, their habitats, and associated fisheries; and developing and implementing environmental restoration practices. Work is performed within well-defined goals and established guidelines and is reviewed by a higher-level Fisheries Biologist through the evaluation of interim and final reports, direct observation, and meetings.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is distinguished from the Fisheries Technician job by the requirement for the analysis of data; and the application of theory, research, and scientific methods to plan and execute assignments.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Assists higher-level Fisheries Biologists in conducting studies, investigations, and research projects by gathering and analyzing data, formulating recommendations, and writing reports of findings.

• Prepares for and conducts routine field, office, and laboratory projects and studies to assess aquatic organisms, fisheries, and aquatic habitats.

• Assists in developing resource sampling survey designs, conducts surveys, collects, and analyzes data, and prepares related draft reports to monitor fish populations and fisheries, and to assess the effectiveness of stocking, harvest limits, and regulations.

• Assists in conducting permit reviews as required by applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies.

• Assists in performing environmental impact assessment studies using data collection and analysis to define aquatic resource damages.

• Assists with assessing the treatment of fish with drugs or chemicals, and reviews literature to provide background information on the use of drugs or chemicals for treatment purposes.

• Conducts microscopic and laboratory analyses of biological samples to identify, classify, and isolate species.

• Assists in identifying habitat enhancement and restoration projects and implementing environmental restoration strategies.

• Participates in planning and coordinating activities related to removing blockages to fish movement and associated stream habitat restoration.

• Prepares file summaries, draft reports, and correspondence for validation and use by higher-level Fisheries Biologists.

• Prepares and conducts informational presentations to a variety of audiences regarding fisheries management, environmental services, habitat management, and fish production.

• Assists with investigations of fish kills and pollution incidents.

• Assists in preparing proposals for federal, state, or private funding, including preparing documentation of work accomplished.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of population dynamics and statistical practices to estimate fish populations, fish age and growth, and mortality.

• Knowledge of the procedures and terminology used to characterize fish populations, anglers, and aquatic habitat.

• Knowledge of the identification, life history, habitat requirements, and management of aquatic organisms.

• Knowledge of the techniques and practices used to operate standard laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, meters, balances, and electronic scales.

• Knowledge of the methods and procedures of fish dissection including otolith extraction.

• Knowledge of basic algebra principles.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office suite software.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific data and reports.

• Ability to represent scientific data in both graphical and tabular format.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• 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:

• All positions require possession of a valid motor vehicle license.