01/18/1992 61020

FISH CULTURIST 2

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

An employee in this class performs a variety of technical and semi-skilled duties in the care and production of fish and in the operation, construction and maintenance of a fish culture station. Employees may perform lead work by providing guidance and direction to other employees. Assignments are carried out using independent judgment concerning procedures, tools, equipment and material. Work is performed under general supervision.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Treats fish for diseases or administers prophylactic treatment. Mixes chemicals, calculates water volume and flow, dispenses medication.

Extracts, fertilizes and hatches fish ova; and sets up incubating and rearing apparatus and establishes correct water flow.

Nets, sorts and grades various species of fish. Operates mechanical grading devices.

Records information. Determines fish species and gender.

Nets and prepares fish for transportation to public waters, from pond to pond, or hatchery to hatchery.

Conditions and fertilizes ponds for fish production.

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.

Ensures location is proper and determines that water quality is adequate, using visual and rudimentary sampling and testing techniques.

Occasionally prepares food according to established specifications; and 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.

Determines when supplemental fertilization or harvest is required.

Checks fish holding facilities for abnormal conditions.

Operates and maintains water treatment and effluent treatment equipment and facilities.

Applies pesticides.

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

Operates fish distribution units equipped with life support system.

Performs related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of technical methods and procedures used in fish culture.

Knowledge of netting, sorting, grading, and weighing techniques for various species of fish.

Knowledge of the operation of stocking vehicle.

Knowledge of the care and raising of freshwater sport fish.

Knowledge of the behavior and environment of freshwater sport fish.

Skill in the operation of specialized fish culture equipment such as aerators, fish graders, and feeding equipment.

Skill in the handling of fish to minimize injury and mortality.

Ability to perform semi-skilled manual work.

Ability to lead lower level fish culturists and related classes of employees.

Ability to keep records and prepare reports of activities.

Ability to perform technical computations.

Ability to understand written and oral instructions.

Ability to drive a stocking 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 operate Fish Commission distribution vehicles.

Ability to become certified as a water treatment facility operator and as a pesticide applicator.

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

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as Fish Culturist 1.

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