Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 50331537	Description Activated On: 5/20/2026 4:02:32 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.

Responsible for the initiation, coordination and administration of fisheries management activities in the Delaware River system, which includes the main stem Delaware River, West Branch Delaware River, main stem Lehigh River (up to the Francis E Walter Dam), and main stem Schuylkill River (up to the Fairmount Dam).

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.

The Fisheries Biologist (FB) 2 is expected to principally work independently to achieve the PFBC’s mission, goals and objectives. All work assignments, direction of study investigation, and review of accomplished work is at the discretion of the Area Fisheries Manager (AFM) and approval of the Division Chief. Specifically, the position is responsible for sampling, data management and reporting according to Fisheries Management Division protocols. The FB 2 prepares annual work plans for identifying and defining data needs/monitoring goals and objectives for the Delaware River system; and, the execution of survey design, data mining, statistical data analysis and preparing and reporting of findings, interpretations, and conclusions of all assigned work plans.

Inclusive of these duties the FB 2 is responsible for independently conducting field investigations and studies documenting biological, chemical, physical and social attributes of various fisheries for purposes of formulating and updating management plans; establishing benchmark statistics for decision making; preparation of technical and scientific reports; and assessing management techniques including stocking, regulations, habitat management and protection, and informing and educating the public on issues related to fisheries management specific to the Delaware River system. This position will also entail the principal biologist role and coordinating with the Anadromous Unit Leader for the management and restoration activities of American Shad within the Delaware River system.

The FB 2 has lead work duties and responsibilities for lower-level fisheries workers. Responsibilities include interviewing and recommending hiring job applicants, preparing job expectations, giving assignments, and reviewing work of lower-level fisheries workers, as necessary. The employee also trains and mentors lower-level technical fisheries workers, which could include identifying deficiencies and recommending training needs to the AFM.
Leads lower-level fisheries workers engaged in documenting the quality and quantity of fisheries in the Delaware River system to include the non-tidal main stem, Lehigh River (below Francis E Walter Dam) and Schuylkill River (below Fairmount Dam).

The employee must communicate, in a timely fashion, in a manner suitable to, and at the discretion of the AFM: accomplished work activities; research findings, observations and interpretations of the study findings; progress towards completion of work assignments; identification and potential solutions of problems related to accomplishment of assigned work and/or personnel interactions as they become known.

Works closely with the AFM in ordering equipment and supplies and is responsible for equipment maintenance.

Represents the agency in meetings regarding fisheries biology and management and will give presentations to a variety of audiences as to agency programs and subjects related to fisheries management within the Delaware River system.

Represents the agency on technical committees and at meetings with respect to resident, and diadromous fish restoration efforts within the Delaware River system.

Expected to have frequent contact (email, phone, or personal) with the supervisor and will also be expected to provide an opportunity for the AFM to review all grant proposals, work accomplished, technical/scientific reports, and executive correspondence for completeness and accuracy.

Use state-of-the-art electronic information technology in various aspects of the job including collecting and managing data, data mining, statistical data analyzes, survey design, preparing reports, illustrated presentations and communicating with the public.

The employee works with specialists in other PFBC Divisions (e.g., Habitat Management, Environmental Services, Hatcheries, etc.), other agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the public in the conduct of field work, report review, reporting, and other activities related to fisheries management and habitat protection within the Delaware River system.

The employee prepares grant proposals and administers grants directed toward fulfilling Fisheries Management objectives in the Delaware River system.

The employee prepares written correspondence and prepares materials for publication in scientific journals, the PA Angler and Boater, and the PFBC website.

Available for instate and out-of-state travel.

Performs related work as required.

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.

The incumbent is responsible for day-to-day decisions regarding office and field operations to ensure priorities are met, sampling and safety protocols are followed, and proper communications channels are followed pertaining to the river systems assigned. The incumbent will follow agency guidelines with respect to grant monitoring and media relations.

Incumbent defers to others with regard to any budget issues/concerns, travel approval (work, training, or conferences), establishment of agency policies.

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.	Lead, train, and mentor lower level fisheries workers.
2.	Knowledge of practices & fisheries biology, including limnology, fisheries mgmt, water quality sampling, aquatic ecology, physiology, and ichthyology.
3.	Incorporate principals of fisheries biology, fisheries management and statistics into data collection, analysis and reporting.
4.	Knowledge of creel survey techniques.
5.	Utilize various fish sampling gears and techniques to evaluate fisheries and aquatic habitats.
6.	Express ideas clearly and concisely in oral, written and graphic form; ability to speak effectively before diverse groups.
7.	Prepare fisheries management plans and scientific reports suitable for publication.
8.	Represent the agency at meetings.
9.	Sufficient physical stamina to conduct field investigations in rough terrain and adverse weather conditions.
10.	Plan and conduct monitoring and research studies relevant to fisheries management.