Fisheries Technician

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, seeks a Fisheries Technician for the Centre County division to support hatcheries and cooperative nurseries. The role emphasizes water quality sampling, data management, and field/lab work with a team that prioritizes conservation and science.

Responsibilities include processing water samples, performing analyses (pH, oxygen, solids, nutrients), maintaining equipment, and guiding hatchery staff on

Qualifications

• Three years of technical fisheries science experience or three years of college with 18 biology credits (nine related to fish biology, ecology, management, ichthyology, or water quality) or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Valid driver's license.
• PA residency required and ability to perform essential job functions.

Responsibilities

• Water sample processing, logging, preserving samples and chain of custody.
• Sample analysis including tests for pH, oxygen, solids, phosphorus, chloride, formaldehyde and other parameters.
• Data management: calculating results and preparing permit reports.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory meters, pumps, ovens, samplers, balances, heaters, and other tools.
• Guide hatchery staff on sample collection, autosampler use, and compliance procedures.
• Prepare and submit water quality discharge reports and notify supervisors of issues.

Skills

Technical fisheries science experience

Biological sciences coursework

Water quality testing

Education

Three years of college with 18 biology credits

Job description

THE POSITION

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is seeking a knowledgeable fisheries professional to fill a Fisheries Technician position within the Division of Fish Production Services in Centre County. You will work with skilled staff who monitor hatcheries and cooperative nurseries across the state. Your contributions will help ensure the long-term health of Pennsylvania's fish hatcheries, water systems, and aquatic resources. Join a team that values science, conservation, and hands-on fieldwork every day.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

• Water Sample Processing: Log and preserve water samples, complete bench sheets, and manage chain of custody documentation
• Sample Analysis: Conduct tests for pH, oxygen, solids, phosphorus, chloride, formaldehyde, and other parameters in accordance with required methods
• Data Management: Calculate results, maintain electronic water quality files, and prepare information for permit reporting
• Equipment Maintenance: Calibrate and maintain meters, pumps, ovens, samplers, balances, heaters, and other laboratory tools
• Guidance and Communication: Provide direction to hatchery staff on sample collection, autosampler use, and compliance procedures
• Compliance Reporting: Compile water quality data, submit electronic discharge reports, and notify supervisors of potential issues

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
• 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.

Required Experience, Training & Eligibility

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

• Three years of technical fisheries science experience; or
• Three years of college with 18 credits in biological sciences of which nine credits must be directly related to fish biology, fish ecology, fisheries management, ichthyology, fish culture, fish physiology, fish pathology, limnology, aquatic ecology, aquatic entomology or water quality; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirement

• You must possess a valid driver's license.

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

• 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).

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.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• 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/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.