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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
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Position Number: 50655137 |
Description Activated On: 7/30/2026 2:30:33 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 assists the Huntsdale Species Recovery Unit (HSRU) Leader (Fisheries Biologist 3) implement a regional program to restore, recover, and propagate diadromous fishes, freshwater mussels, non-game fish, amphibians, reptiles, and other aquatic organisms; with focus on American Shad (AMS), threatened and endangered species, and Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) within these taxonomic groups. Recovery projects will be prioritized by the SGCN list consistent with the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan. |
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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 2 (FB2) are to assist with implementation of recovery actions for diadromous fishes and recovery actions identified in Commission Species Action Plans. This is accomplished through the propagation of AMS; and state threatened, endangered, and SGCN in coordination with the Division of Environmental Services Natural Diversity Section. Unless otherwise directed, the FB2 will serve as the lead in field and propagation activities when the Unit Leader is not present. More specifically, the FB2 conducts brood stock collections and monitoring surveys to assess recovery of AMS and rare species in the Susquehanna River, Potomac River, and Delaware River basins 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 to 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 AMS and nongame species; responds to emergency alarms/calls as appropriate; may work rotating weekends; performs work of subordinates as needed; and performs other duties as assigned. Alosine Restoration Supports the HSRU Leader, including supervising FBAs, in the performance of fish culture and maintenance duties at propagation facilities. Makes independent decisions and takes the initiative regarding fish culture activities at the propagation facility. Acts as a lead worker in otolith processing, and maintenance duties at the associated facilities. Maintains facilities and equipment. Serves as the lead otolith preparer and analyst and conducts otolith evaluations. Participates in specimen aging activities using otoliths and scales. Records accurate identification data on labels affixed to slide mounted otolith specimens. Develops and maintains up-to-date knowledge of the life history, biology and culture of diadromous species, otolith marking and aging techniques, and scale aging techniques. Records accurate data on otolith extraction and tag analysis data sheets as directed. Enters otolith data into databases and prepares data tabulations. Maintains databases for all fish culture and research activities. Assists in the development and administration of a comprehensive program for diadromous fish restoration efforts including fishery management plan development, interagency coordination, anadromous fish hatchery operations, provision of access to suitable habitat, restoration of degraded habitat, public education and information activities, and bio-assessments. Provides representation on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Habitat and Steering Committee and the Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership Steering Committee. Acts independently as an agency representative to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Habitat and Steering Committee and the Atlantic Costal Fish Habitat Partnership Steering Committee consistent with program goals, consulting with the supervisor where appropriate. Initiates, negotiates approvals, and obtains renewals for funding initiatives from a variety of sources to support anadromous fish restoration efforts. SGCN Recovery Maintains optimal fish and mussel rearing systems and water quality. Ensures production goals are met for nongame species based upon recommended numbers provided by the Unit Leader. Researches host fish used for freshwater mussel propagation, diets, and husbandry techniques for jurisdictional SGCN (e.g., mussels, Threatened and Endangered fish, herpetofauna); implements propagation techniques for nongame species of conservation concern; conducts production trials to test new systems, develops best practices, or refines methodologies to improve propagation efficiency or production; assists with the development of 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; assesses and mitigates 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; monitors newly established or augmented populations at appropriate frequencies relevant to the life histories of the study species; collects and analyzes data using scientific methods and equipment; communicates results in the form of recommendations, scientific reports, publications, or presentations; and prepares draft reports with scientifically sound conclusions and recommendations for review by the Unit Leader. Outreach/education Assists the Unit Leader develops outreach materials, conduct interpretive outreach programs, give presentations to various groups such as sportsperson and conservation organizations, schools, civic clubs, and professional groups on diadromous fishes and nongame resource conservation issues. Grants Prepares and administers grants and contracts to support recovery implementation actions and related activities through federal, state, and private grant funds. Assists with nongame management Assists with or leads 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 Susquehanna River, Potomac and Delaware River basins, and other nongame permitting permit programs as needed. 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 Unit Leader verbally and/or in writing and occasionally by the Chief of the Division of Aquatic Species Restoration. 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 FB2 completes assignments by using technical expertise and independent judgment with general guidance from the supervisor. The FB2 provides status reports to the supervisor of major work assignments. A monthly report detailing work unit activities must be submitted to the supervisor at the end of each month, and once annually. |
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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: Must obtain a boating safety certificate during the probationary period. Licenses, registrations, or certifications: 1. Class C Driver's License 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. N/A 5. N/A 6. N/A |
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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
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