Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING

Position Number:  50655133

Description Activated On:  4/1/2026 1:35:45 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 supports the Union City Restoration Unit by assisting with implementation of Species Action Plans, including species population recovery (augmentation and reintroduction) via species propagation, and assisting recovery efforts for species under Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) jurisdiction. Recovery projects will be prioritized by the Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) list consistent with the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan. Additionally, this position assists and supports the Unit Leader (FB3) with nongame propagation efforts at the Union City Aquatic Conservation Center.

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 primary responsibilities of the Fisheries Biologist 1 (FB1) are to assist the Union City Species Recovery Unit Leader with the implementation of recovery actions identified in PFBC Species Action Plans. This is accomplished through the propagation of state threatened, endangered, and SGCN, and the provision of support to the Natural Diversity Section. More specifically, the FB1 assists with collection of brood stock and monitoring surveys to assess recovery of rare species in Pennsylvania; assists with rare, threatened, and endangered species environmental reviews (e.g., initial reviews, recommendations, field views, species habitat and presence surveys); provides technical support for the Natural Diversity Section (e.g., assists with permitting programs); provides outreach to the public via written and verbal correspondence, public presentations, etc.; serves on ad hoc and/or formal committees regarding propagation of nongame species; responds to emergency alarms/calls as appropriate; may work some weekends.

SGCN Recovery:
Assists with the maintenance of optimal fish and mussel rearing systems and water quality; assists with researching host fish use for freshwater mussel propagation; research diets and husbandry techniques for jurisdictional SGCN (e.g., mussels, Threatened and Endangered fish, herpetofauna); assists with developing and implementing propagation techniques for nongame species of conservation concern; assists with conducting production trials to test new systems, developing best practices, or refining methodologies to improve propagation efficiency or production; assist with developing scientific, data-driven stocking plans (i.e., where, when, and how many to stock) based on the presence of suitable habitat, proximity to existing populations, and genetic makeup of cultured and wild populations; assists with determining the optimal number and life stage of individuals to stock to allow for the establishment of new populations or augmentation of existing populations; assists with assessing and mitigating risks to existing populations (e.g., disease transmission) that may be caused by establishing new populations with cultured individuals or augmenting existing wild populations with cultured individuals; assists with monitoring newly established or augmented populations at appropriate frequencies relevant to the life histories of the study species; collect and analyze data using scientific methods and equipment and communicates the results in the form of recommendations, scientific reports, publications, or presentations; and prepare reports with scientifically sound conclusions and recommendations.

Outreach/education:
Assists the FB3 to develop outreach materials and conduct interpretive outreach programs and gives presentations to various groups such as sportsperson and conservation organizations, schools, civic clubs, and professional groups on nongame resource conservation issues.

Grants:
Assists the FB3 in preparing grants and contracts to support recovery implementation actions and related activities through federal, state, and private grant funds.

Nongame management:
Assists with nongame taxa surveys, fish and freshwater mussel salvages, species augmentations/reintroductions, kill investigations, species habitat restoration projects, and other tasks related to nongame species conservation and management. Assists the Natural Diversity Section with Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI)/Species Impact Reviews for project developments, primarily in Pennsylvania’s northwest region, and other nongame permitting permit programs as needed. Performs related duties as required. Must obtain a boating safety certificate during the probationary period.

Performs related duties 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.

Work is initially assigned by the FB3 verbally and/or in writing and occasionally by the Division Chief, and Natural Diversity Section Chief. Ongoing duties, responsibilities, and progress reports are discussed verbally and/or in written form. Assignments are received through general instructions, memos, or staff meetings. The FB1 completes assignments by using technical expertise and independent judgment with general guidance from the supervisor. The FB1 provides status reports to the supervisor (FB3) of work assignments to be included in monthly reports detailing work unit activities that must be submitted to the Division Chief at the end of each month, and once annually.

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.   OTHER
 
3.   N/A
 
4.   N/A
 
5.   N/A
 
6.   N/A

Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
 
 1. Utilize electronic information technology including word processing, spreadsheet, statistical, mapping, and graphic software.
 2. Knowledge of principles/practices of fisheries biology, fisheries management, aquatic ecology, and aquaculture.
 3. Knowledge of life history and environmental requirements of fish and other aquatic organisms.
 4. Utilizes various field and laboratory gears and techniques to evaluate aquatic biota and habitats.
 5. Safely utilizes all equipment and gear associated with completing work duties.
 6. Lifts and moves equipment up to 60 pounds.
 7. Works outside in various weather conditions and on various terrains, including water.
 8. Communicates effectively both orally and in writing.
 9. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with employees, other organizations, and the public.
 10.