08/03/1994 61019

FISH CULTURIST 1

DEFINITION: This is semi-skilled manual and training level technical fish culture work at a fish culture station.

An employee in this class is engaged in on-the-job and structured training assignments to develop technical skills in the care and propagation of fish and in the operation of specialized fish culture equipment and performs a variety of semi-skilled construction and maintenance duties in the operation and maintenance of a fish culture station. Structured training assignments involve classroom and practical field experiences designed to develop skills and knowledge in the technical methods and procedures in the field of fish culture. Many of the assigned semi-skilled manual maintenance and routine fish culture tasks are repetitive in nature and once learned can be performed independently. Technical fish culture duties and training assignments are performed under the immediate direction of an employee in a higher classification.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Participates in on-the-job and classroom training activities to develop a working knowledge and proficiency in the technical methods and procedures used in fish culture including: netting, sorting, grading, and weighing techniques; feeding, sampling, testing, inspection and treatment methodologies; extraction, fertilization,hatching, incubation and rearing practices and procedures.

Participates in on-the-job, classroom and self-study training activities to develop skills in the operation of specialized fish culture distribution units equipped with life support systems and that are subject to commercial drivers legal requirements.

Assists in pond conditioning and fertilization.

Assists in setting up incubating and rearing apparatus.

Assists in netting, sorting and grading various species of fish.

Operates mechanical grading devices.

Checks fish holding facilities for abnormal conditions.

Assists in netting and prepares fish for transportation to public waters, from pond to pond, or hatchery to hatchery.

Checks raceways and ponds for signs of fish disease and stress factors.

Transports fish. Drives and operates a stocking vehicle.

Drives to distant locations.

Stocks fish in public waters.

Dispenses food to fish mechanically or manually according to fish size and feeding conditions.

Performs semi-skilled construction and maintenance work on buildings, equipment and facilities using carpentry, plumbing or electrician tools.

Performs routine operational inspection of hatchery equipment and facilities; and may be solely responsible for operational surveillance on evening, night or weekend shifts. Cleans water filters and screens as required.

Performs custodial and groundskeeping duties such as, grass cutting, shrubbery trimming, cleaning and etc.

Learns to operates Fish Commission distribution units equipped with life support system.

Performs related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of simple hand tools and their use.

Knowledge of fish found in Pennsylvania waters.

Ability to identify the various species of freshwater sport fish stocked in Pennsylvania.

Ability to perform high school level arithmetic computations.

Ability to learn to drive and operate fish distribution vehicle safely under various climatic conditions.

Ability to prepare a clear and concise report of activities.

Ability to make repairs to buildings and equipment.

Ability to learn and apply technical methods and procedures used in fish culture.

Ability to learn netting, sorting, grading and weighing techniques for various species of fish.

Ability to learn life habits and requirements of sport fish.

Ability to develop skill in operation of specialized hatchery equipment such as aerators, fish graders and feeding equipment.

Ability to develop skill in the handling of fish to minimize injury and mortality.

Ability to perform semi-skilled manual work.

Ability to keep records.

Ability to perform technical computations.

Ability to understand written and oral instructions.

Ability to exhibit physical strength and stamina sufficient to perform fish culture and related duties under varying climatic conditions.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Graduation from high school or equivalent certification of formal training.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License.

Employee entering this classification must obtain a Commercial Driver's License that permits the operation of vehicles of 26,000 lbs. or more prior to completing their probationary period.