Company
PA Fish and Boat Commission
Location
Centre Region Office (Bellefonte, Pennsylvania)
Salary
starting at $17 per hour
Job Posted On: January 20, 2025
Description: The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is hiring several Fisheries Biologist Aide (FBA) positions for the 2025 field season in its Bureaus of Fisheries and Hatcheries. This posting may be used to hire FBAs in the Division of Environmental Services, the Division of Fisheries Management, the Division of Fish Production Services (FPS), and the Division of Habitat Management.
Fisheries Biologist Aides assist Fisheries Biologists with field and office activities aimed to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources. Work may occur across the Commonwealth and involve overnight travel. Travel costs are reimbursable. Work sometimes involves long hours, working in inclement weather, and requires the ability to operate PFBC vehicles. Specialized gear and required safety apparel will be provided by PFBC when needed (waders, hard hats, hi-vis clothing, etc.).
Responsibilities: Duties will vary between work units, so a description of the work conducted in each Division is provided on page 2. Work will involve assisting biologists with field and office work to support fisheries management decision making, to support permit review activities, and to improve and enhance stream and lake habitats across the Commonwealth. Work may involve sampling fish populations using a variety of sampling gears in lotic and lentic waters; sampling waters not previously surveyed to identify waters that support wild trout or rare nongame species; participating in active construction projects to improve stream and lake habitat; conducting water quality analyses and physical habitat assessments; tracking and monitoring rare, threatened or endangered species including fish, reptiles, amphibians, mussels and aquatic invertebrates. Office work may include fisheries and habitat data management and reporting, GIS mapping, database entry, and the repair and maintenance of field equipment including boats, boat motors, trailers, gas powered hand tools (chainsaws, drills, whackers), battery powered hand tools, generators, electrofishing gear, and various nets.
Qualifications: Our office is seeking responsible and dependable individuals who meet the following qualifications:
B.A. / B.S. degree in natural sciences, biology, fisheries, wildlife, environmental sciences, or ecology, OR currently enrolled at an accredited college/university pursuing a degree in natural sciences, biology, fisheries, wildlife, environmental sciences, or ecology.
Communicates effectively orally and in writing.
Safely operate and maintain equipment, vehicles, and watercraft following agency protocols.
Safely operate and maintain power tools like nail guns, chainsaws, and power drills.
Lift over 40 pounds, work in inclement weather, and negotiate difficult terrain.
Use of fish collection equipment including electrofishing gear, trap nets, gill nets, and seines.
Experience using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ArcMap.
Ability to collect and record fisheries survey data.
Valid PA driver’s license.
Selected candidate will be required to obtain three background certifications prior to employment with PFBC: Child Abuse, State Police, and FBI Clearances.
Learn more and apply here.