Fish Culturist 1 (Seasonal) Benner Spring

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 18,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Benner Springs Fish Hatchery is seeking a Fish Culturist 1 to support propagation, care, and stocking operations. The role provides hands-on training in fish care, facility operations, and conservation work, with duties outlined below and a 7-month seasonal assignment.

The position requires a high school diploma, a valid PA driver’s license, and eventual CDL possession. Work is performed on-site with some weekend or holiday hours as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent certification.
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required prior to probation.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions.

Responsibilities

• Learn fish behavior, habitat needs, species identification, and complete technical records.
• Assist brood stock collection, egg handling, and record keeping.
• Assemble equipment, monitor water quality, apply treatments, and track hatch results.
• Clean units, monitor fish health, feed, maintain tanks and raceways.
• Operate stocking vehicles, transport fish, maintain related equipment.
• Support repairs and upkeep of hatchery buildings, equipment, grounds, and tools.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CDL (Commercial Driver's License)

PA Driver's License

Job description

Would you like physical work in the outdoors, for a state agency that provides fishing and boating opportunities for individuals and families in Pennsylvania's many lakes, river, and streams? Would you be interested in a position that could turn into permanent employment after a successful training period (that includes obtaining a Commercial Driver's License)? Then this may be the job for you! This role at the Benner Springs Fish Hatchery offers you the chance to learn valuable skills in fish care, facility operations, and conservation work. Step into a career that makes a lasting difference in Pennsylvania's waterways.

This position supports fish propagation, care, and stocking operations that help maintain healthy fisheries for public enjoyment. It also assists with facility upkeep to ensure safe, efficient, and effective production. As a Fish Culturist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Fish Culture Training:Learn fish behavior, habitat needs, species identification, and complete technical computations and records
• Spawning Support:Assist in brood stock collection, egg handling, and record keeping while following approved methods
• Egg Care Tasks:Assemble equipment, monitor water quality, apply treatments, and track hatch results
• Fish Care Activities:Clean units, monitor fish health, dispense feed, maintain tanks and raceways, and identify signs of stress or disease
• Stocking Assistance:Operate fish stocking vehicles, load and transport fish, maintain related equipment, and keep accurate records
• Maintenance Duties:Support repairs and upkeep of buildings, equipment, grounds, and power tools used in hatchery work

Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Seasonal, full-time employment
• This position is a 7 month seasonal assignment with opportunity for advancement to full time position.
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
• This position may require some weekend, evening, and holiday work as well as standby time.
• This position does not receive medical benefits. Paid time off accrues after working 750 regular (non-overtime) hours in each calendar year.
• Telework:You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent certification of formal training.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License.
• Employee entering this classification must obtain a Commercial Driver's License that permits the operation of vehicles of 26,000 lbs. or more prior to completing their probationary period.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require a drug screening.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.