JOB TITLE: FISHERIES BIOLOGIST 2, PFBC

JOB CODE: 14760

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 professional work in the field of fisheries biology.

An employee in this job is responsible for performing independent professional work in fisheries management, environmental services, aquatic habitat enhancement and restoration, and fish production. Work involves conducting research projects, studies, and special investigations; developing project schedules; estimating costs, preparing and administering grant proposals, and tracking funds; interpreting and analyzing data; developing conclusions and recommendations; creating implementation plans; and preparing and submitting scientific reports with results and recommendations. Work includes implementing specialized biological programs; conducting specialized population, habitat, and water quality studies and assessments; reviewing and commenting on state and federal regulatory permit programs; or conducting studies related to fish production, nutrition, reproduction, disease, and hatchery effluent. Work may include supervising Fisheries Technicians and Wildlife Fisheries Biologist Aides engaged in a variety of assignments in fisheries management, environmental services, aquatic habitat enhancement and restoration, or fish production. Employees may perform lead work over lower-level professional and technical staff. Work is performed independently within established fisheries methods, environmental theories, and standard procedures, and is reviewed by a professional supervisor through reports and meetings.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is distinguished from the lower-level jobs by the level of independence and accountability for complex technical assignments, including specialized programs, such as basin-wide or statewide initiatives.

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.)

• Conducts comprehensive long-term studies, projects, and special investigations pertaining to fisheries management, environmental services, aquatic habitat enhancement and restoration, and fish culture.

• Collects and analyzes data using scientific methods and equipment and communicates the results and recommendations though peer reviewed scientific reports, technical reports, popular articles, and presentations.

• Develops and conducts aquatic resource sampling and creel surveys to monitor and assess aquatic organism populations; their habitats; angler use, harvest, and opinions; and fisheries management plans and policies.

• Prepares final reports with scientifically sound conclusions and recommendations.

• Reviews and assesses impacts of aquatic permit applications in accordance with state and federal regulations.

• Prepares and administers grants and contracts for environmental management and related activities through federal, state, and private grant funds available to PFBC and partners.

• Operates a bacteriological laboratory including managing the purchasing, warehousing, and distributing of drugs and chemicals used in fish production.

• Designs and conducts environmental impact studies to determine aquatic resource damages.

• Assesses the effect of drugs or chemicals in fish culture to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

• Performs literature reviews to inform fisheries management, aquatic habitat enhancement and restoration, environmental services, and fish culture activities; and to provide background information on drugs for treatment purposes.

• Evaluates and monitors fish culture practices and fisheries management techniques to optimize aquatic resources and fisheries.

• Prepares proposals and applications for federal, state, and private grants including tracking the availability of funds and documenting work accomplished.

• Identifies habitat enhancement and restoration projects, works with landowners and other interested parties, and develops and implements environmental enhancement and restoration strategies.

• Plans, coordinates, and executes activities related to removing blockages to fish movement and restoring associated stream habitats.

• Assists in preparation of PFBC regulations regarding fisheries management, environmental services, fish habitat restoration, and fish production.

• Testifies on behalf of the PFBC in administrative and legal proceedings on fisheries science matters.

• Speaks before various audiences, such as sportsmen and conservation organizations, professional societies, commissions and councils, schools, and civic clubs.

• Represents the PFBC on intra-agency workgroups and interagency technical advisory boards.

• Supervises Fisheries Technicians and Wildlife Fisheries Biologist Aides in the collection, identification, and processing of data such as biological, water quality, or physical data.

• Supervises daily operations of a satellite office as part of a regional fisheries area aquaculture facility.

• Directs staff in collecting and inputting data from various studies.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• Employees in this job may participate in the performance of their subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the procedures used for conducting surveys of fish populations, habitat, aquatic organism health studies, and water quality.

• Knowledge of theories, procedures, and methods used in fisheries biology, fisheries and habitat management, environment management, and fish culture.

• Knowledge of the equipment used for conducting surveys of fish populations, habitat, aquatic organism health studies, and water quality.

• 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 analyze scales, otoliths, and other fish parts.

• Ability to operate field survey equipment such as electrofishing equipment, seines, nets, and small boats.

• Ability to use scientific technical writing formats in reports and papers.

• Ability to translate technical biological reports and presentations on a variety of fish-related issues into easily understood terms.

• 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)

• One year of experience as a Fisheries Biologist 1, PFBC (commonwealth title);

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:

• All positions require possession of a valid driver’s license.