Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 00098590	Description Activated On: 7/23/2026 3:40:02 PM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.

This position provides support to the Area Fisheries Manager (AFM) in the conduct of fisheries management activities in Fisheries Management Area 1. Area 1 is defined as the Lake Erie watershed and the portion of the upper Ohio River basin to include the Shenango River, Beaver River, and Slippery Rock Creek basins; specifically, sub-basin 15 and sub-sub-basins 20 A-C. Performance of duties in this capacity form the basis for the protection, conservation, and enhancement of the Commonwealth’s angling opportunities and aquatic resources in northwest Pennsylvania.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

This is a non-supervisory position involving first level professional work in the field of fisheries biology. The employee assists in fisheries and angler creel survey design and has responsibility for collecting field data, leading field crews, managing and analyzing data, and drafting reports that document the results of investigations and research. Work includes fisheries monitoring, fisheries research, and angler creel surveys.

Assists the AFM in all aspects of Area responsibility. This includes fisheries investigations for fisheries management and research, selection of appropriate sampling equipment, correspondence, oral presentations, information requests, water pollution investigations, equipment maintenance, and purchasing, among other duties as needed.

As directed by the AFM, the Fisheries Biologist 1 (FB1) serves as the lead worker with lower level fisheries staff and interns in the investigation and reporting of fisheries information. With specific guidance from the AFM, executes the annual sampling plan for fieldwork associated with lake, river, and stream surveys, including discussions with landowners for public access.

Manages and enters data collected during field surveys into the Agency Resource Database. Analyzes fisheries data, applies fisheries management theories, develops conclusions and recommendations, and prepares draft scientific reports per Division protocol detailing the results of fisheries investigations for review by the AFM which are edited and expanded upon as necessary. Report preparation includes statistical data analyses as well as graphical and tabular representation of data.

Responsible for age and growth analysis of fish populations. This includes age estimation of fish using scales, otoliths, and other structures collected during fisheries surveys, entering the data in the Agency Resource Database, and performing comparative age and growth analyses.

Assists the AFM implement angler creel surveys to address specific fisheries management needs and directs field crews involved in these studies. Angler creel surveys evaluate various fisheries through determinations of angler use, fish catch and harvest, angler preferences, and economic valuation. Prepares draft reports documenting the results from these surveys to be incorporated into water-specific fishery management recommendations.

Assists the AFM implement fisheries recommendations. This includes working closely with specialists in other PFBC divisions and bureaus (e.g., Habitat Management, Environmental Services, Hatcheries), other agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the public to implement various fisheries management related actions and provide assistance as needed on matters related to resource protection.

Recommends sampling designs to the AFM for consideration based upon the survey purpose.

Assists in the investigation of fish kills and fish pollution investigations.

Uses and applies contemporary electronic information technology to support fisheries management needs.

Conducts literature reviews for use in report preparation and to address various informational needs.

Prepares file summaries and draft replies for correspondence for use by higher level fisheries biologists.

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

Represents the agency at meetings.

Maintains safe working conditions.

Maintains all equipment and gear in safe operating condition.

Follows all Commission policies and procedures.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

Work is performed within well-defined goals and established guidelines and is reviewed by the AFM through the evaluation of reports, direct observations, and conferences. The FB1 is given latitude for independent action given particular situations encountered in the field and office, as well as special projects as time allows.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   Class C Driver's License

2.   N/A

3.   N/A

4.

5.

6.

Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.

1.	Knowledge of design and conduct of angler creel surveys and of the principles and practices of fisheries biology.
2.	Apply knowledge of life history, ecology, and management of Pennsylvania fishes.
3.	Lift and move equipment up to 60 pounds; works outside in variable and sometimes adverse weather conditions on various terrains, including water.
4.	Communicate and express ideas clearly and concisely in oral, written, and graphical form.
5.	Collect and analyze data on aquatic habitats, organisms, anglers, and other users of aquatic habitat & prepare fisheries management reports.
6.	Safely utilize all equipment and gear used in the course of the work duties.
7.	Uses dichotomous keys, reference collections, and other sources to identify aquatic organisms.
8.	Maintain a courteous, professional demeanor.
9.	Conduct age and growth analysis of fish.
10.	Operate a motorboat on large reservoirs and rivers, including trailering, launching and landing.