Salary: $50,836.00 - $77,321.00 Annually
Location : Erie County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2025-18506-14750
Department: Fish & Boat Commission
Division: FB Lke Erie Unt
Opening Date: 02/12/2025
Closing Date: 2/26/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 14750
Position Number: 00096833
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: B4
Pay Group: ST06
Bureau / Division Code: 00223319
Bureau / Division: Bureau of Fisheries / Lake Erie Unit
Worksite Address: 8370 Middle Road
City: Fairview, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 16415
Contact Name: Michael Blasser
Contact Email: mblasser@pa.gov
THE POSITION Are you in search of a rewarding and fulfilling profession in which you can exercise your knowledge and experience surrounding the Commonwealth's aquatic life and habitats? The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is eager to welcome a Fisheries Biologist 1 within the Lake Erie Unit (Fisheries Management Area 9). If you are a dedicated, hard-working individual who possesses a passion for fisheries management, we encourage you to apply and help us to protect, conserve, and enhance the angling opportunities and aquatic resources within Pennsylvania!
DESCRIPTION OF WORKMake a real difference in the health of Lake Erie! This is your opportunity to be at the forefront of fisheries science, assisting with vessel operations from navigation to maintenance, and directly contributing to critical research projects. With our team, you will represent Pennsylvania on key Lake Erie Committee Task Groups, shaping the future of fisheries management. You will also gain hands-on experience conducting fish dissections, gathering crucial data on life history and pathology, and contributing to fish kill investigations. This is an exceptional opportunity to apply your skills and passion for aquatic science to protect and preserve this vital resource. Apply now to keep Pennsylvania's waters clean and our aquatic species and habitats restored, maintained, and protected with us!
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 a 30-minute lunch.
- 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 & ELIGIBILITYQUALIFICATIONSMinimum Experience and Training Requirements:- A bachelor's degree in a biological science that includes or is supplemented by 12 college credits in fish biology, fisheries management, fish population dynamics, ichthyology, limnology, fish ecology, aquatic ecology, watershed ecology and management, wetland ecology and management, herpetology, freshwater entomology, fish culture, fish physiology, fish pathology, biometrics, or other courses closely related to fisheries science or aquatic ecology; or
- An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 12 college credits in fish biology, fisheries management, fish population dynamics, ichthyology, limnology, fish ecology, aquatic ecology, watershed ecology and management, wetland ecology and management, herpetology, freshwater entomology, fish culture, fish physiology, fish pathology, biometrics, or other courses closely related to fisheries science or aquatic ecology.
Special Requirements:- You must possess a valid motor vehicle license.
Other Requirements:- PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
- 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.
How to Apply:- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
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.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.
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.
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.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our
Health & WellnessWe offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial PlanningWe invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life BalanceWe know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and CultureWe believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee PerksSometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?
02
If you answered "Yes", please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered "No", type N/A in the text box below.
03
Have you completed twelve or more semester college credits in fish biology, fisheries management, fish population dynamics, ichthyology, limnology, fish ecology, aquatic ecology, watershed ecology and management, wetland ecology and management, herpetology, freshwater entomology, fish culture, fish physiology, fish pathology, biometrics, or other courses closely related to fisheries science or aquatic ecology? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.
04
How much college coursework have you completed in a biological science (such as anatomy, botany, biology, ecology, genetics, microbiology, zoology, etc.)?If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.
- A conferred Bachelor's degree or higher
- 120 or more credits
- 90 but less than 120 credits
- 60 but less than 90 credits
- 30 but less than 60 credits
- Less than 30 credits
- None
05
How many years of paraprofessional or technical level experience in a biological science have you completed?
- 4 years or more
- 3 but less than 4 years
- 2 but less than 3 years
- 1 but less than 2 years
- Less than 1 year
- None
06
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
07
CS-INSTRUCTIONS You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You
must complete the application
and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will
not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.
The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our
08
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - FIELD INVESTIGATIONSInvestigates, analyzes, and quantifies the biological, chemical, physical, and social attributes of fisheries in streams, rivers, and impoundments. Make recommendations regarding the need for manipulations (e.g., regulatory actions, fish stocking, habitat modifications, public outreach) of fish populations and their habitats, as well as angler use and preferences to meet desired objectives. Evaluates the success, failure, progress, or acceptance of fisheries manipulations.
Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience investigating, analyzing and quantifying the biological, chemical, physical, and social attributes of fisheries in streams, rivers, and impoundments. I have made recommendations regarding the need for manipulations of fish populations and their habitats, as well as angler use and preferences to meet desired objectives. I have evaluated the success, failure, progress, or acceptance of fisheries manipulations.
- B. I have experience investigating, analyzing and quantifying the biological, chemical, physical, and social attributes of fisheries in streams, rivers, and impoundments. I DO NOT have experience making recommendations regarding the need for manipulations of fish populations and their habitats, as well as angler use and preferences to meet desired objectives. I DO NOT have experience evaluating the success, failure, progress, or acceptance of fisheries manipulations.
- C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to fisheries science, fisheries management, or aquatic ecology.
- D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
09
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
- The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
- The type(s) of recommendations you made related to manipulations.
- Your findings related to evaluations of fisheries manipulations.
10
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
- College/University/Training Source
- Course Title(s)
- Credits/Clock Hours
11
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - FISH POPULATIONS Samples fish populations using a variety of active and passive sampling gears and techniques including boat, towed boat, and backpack electrofishing; trap nets; hoop nets; gill nets; and seines in lotic and lentic waters. Identifies aquatic organisms using dichotomous keys, reference collections, and other resources. Estimates and analyzes abundance, age and growth, and size and weight data of fish populations.
Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience sampling fish populations using a variety of active and passive sampling gears and techniques in lotic and lentic waters. I have identified aquatic organisms using dichotomous keys, reference collections, and other resources. I have estimated and analyzed abundance, age and growth, and size and weight data of fish populations.
- B. I have experience sampling fish populations using a variety of active and passive sampling gears and techniques in lotic and lentic waters. I have identified aquatic organisms using dichotomous keys, reference collections, and other resources. I DO NOT have experience ESTIMATING AND ANALYZING abundance, age and growth, and size and weight data of fish populations.
- C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to fisheries management, fish biology, or ichthyology.
- D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
12
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
- The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
- The type(s) of information related to fish populations that you estimated and analyzed.
- The type(s) of gear and techniques that you used to sample fish populations.
13
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
- College/University/Training Source
- Course Title(s)
- Credits/Clock Hours
14
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - DATA Collects, records, and formats data during field investigations. Manages and develops spreadsheets, enters information into databases, and analyzes fisheries data collected during field investigations including statistical analysis, and graphical and tabular representation of data.
Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience collecting, recording, and formatting data during field investigations. I have analyzed fisheries data collected during field investigations using statistical analysis, and graphical and tabular representation of data.
- B. I have experience collecting, recording and formatting data during field investigations. I DO NOT have experience ANALYZING fisheries data collected during field investigations using statistical analysis, and graphical and tabular representation of data.
- C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to statistics, data analysis, or computer science.
- D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
15
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
- The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
- The type(s) of fisheries data analysis you conducted.
16
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
- College/University/Training Source
- Course Title(s)
- Credits/Clock Hours
17
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - ORAL COMMUNICATION Present the results from fisheries investigations to a variety of audiences and stakeholders. These presentations include complex and/or controversial information pertaining to fisheries.
Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience presenting the results from fisheries investigations to a variety of audiences and stakeholders.
- B. I have experience presenting to a variety of audiences. The material I presented was NOT related to fisheries investigations.
- C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to public speaking.
- D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
18
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
- The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
- The topic(s) of the presentations that you presented.
19
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
- College/University/Training Source
- Course Title(s)
- Credits/Clock Hours
20
WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONPrepares materials detailing results and conclusions from fisheries fieldwork and other related scientific investigations for publication in scientific journals, technical reports, and popular media.
Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience preparing materials detailing results and conclusions from fisheries fieldwork and other related scientific investigations for publication in scientific journals, technical reports, and popular media. I was responsible for the complete document.
- B. I have experience preparing portions or sections of materials detailing results and conclusions from fisheries fieldwork and other related scientific investigations for publication in scientific journals, technical reports, and popular media. I was not responsible for the entire document.
- C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to scientific writing, technical writing, or report writing.
- D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
21
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
- The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
- The type(s) of written materials you were responsible for and your level of responsibility.
22
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
- College/University/Training Source
- Course Title(s)
- Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
