Fisheries Technician

Salary: $46,827.00 - $70,592.00 Annually
Location : Centre County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Seasonal Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2026-51362-61045
Department: Fish & Boat Commission
Division: FB Div Fsh Prd Srvs
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/4/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 61045
Position Number: 50633075
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: B1
Pay Group: ST05
Bureau / Division Code: 00223430
Bureau / Division: Division of Fish Production Services
Worksite Address: 1735 Shiloh Road
City: State College, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 16801
Contact Name: Scott Hobbie
Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io


THE POSITION
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is seeking a knowledgeable fisheries professional to fill a seasonal, non-permanent wage Fisheries Technician position within the Division of Fish Production Services in Centre County. This role lets you support fish health efforts that protect Pennsylvania waters. You will work with skilled staff who monitor hatcheries and cooperative nurseries across the state. Join a team that values science, conservation, and hands-on fieldwork every day.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position supports fish health efforts by assisting with inspections, monitoring, and laboratory tasks at hatcheries and cooperative nurseries. The work helps protect fish populations and ensures important aquatic resources remain healthy. As a Fisheries Technician, you will perform the following duties:

• Health Inspections: Conduct fish health, disease, gill lice, and mudsnail inspections at hatcheries and nurseries
• Lab Maintenance: Maintain laboratory equipment, work areas, media, and glassware for daily operations
• Feed Preparation: Weigh and prepare medicated feed for hatcheries and cooperative nurseries
• Field Support: Assist with on site treatment efforts, investigations, and nursery inspections as needed
• Supply Delivery: Deliver medicated feed, treatments, and other materials to cooperative nurseries
• Operational Tasks: Travel as required and operate vehicles according to PFBC and Commonwealth policies

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Seasonal, 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.

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.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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 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.

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.

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Health & Wellness

We 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 Planning
We 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 Balance
We 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 Culture
We 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 Perks
Sometimes, 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



Necessary Special Requirement - Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?

• Yes
• No

02


If you answered yes, please provide the issuing state, expiration date, and license number. If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below.
03


How many years of full-time technical fisheries experience do you possess?

• 3 years or more
• 2 but less than 3 years
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

04


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.
05


How much college level coursework have you completed?

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 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.

• 90 credits or more
• 60 but less than 90 credits
• 30 but less than 60 credits
• Less than 30 credits
• None

06


How much college level coursework have you completed in fish biology, fish ecology, fisheries management, ichthyology, fish culture, fish physiology, fish pathology, limnology, aquatic ecology, aquatic entomology or water quality?


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 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.

• 9 credits or more
• 6 but less than 9 credits
• 3 but less than 6 credits
• None

07


How much college level coursework have you completed in the biological sciences?


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 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.

• 18 credits or more
• 12 but less than 18 credits
• 6 but less than 12 credits
• Less than 6 credits
• None

08


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

• Yes

09



WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - FISH HEALTH INSPECTIONS
Conducts routine inspections of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's (PFBC) fish hatcheries and nurseries to determine if fish are healthy and meet PFBC protocols and requirements. Verifies the presence of gill lice and New Zealand mudsnail in the fish digestive tracts.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience conducting inspections to determine if fish health meets requirements AND to verify the presence of gill lice or New Zealand mudsnail in fish digestive tracts.
• B. I have experience conducting inspections to determine if fish health meets requirements OR to verify the presence of gill lice or New Zealand mudsnail in fish digestive tracts.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to fisheries biology, fisheries management, or fish hatchery management.
• D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

10


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.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. Your experience conducting inspections and what type(s) of inspections
3. The actual duties you performed and your level of responsibility

11


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

12



WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - DISEASE INVESTIGATIONS
Conducts disease investigations by receiving and testing fish samples from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's fish hatcheries/nurseries to determine the presence of disease or pathogens using microscopy and bacteriology in a laboratory setting. Provides recommendations for treatment of fish.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience determining the presence of disease or pathogens of fish in a laboratory setting. I provided recommendations for the treatment of fish.
• B. I have experience determining the presence of disease or pathogens of fish in a laboratory setting. I did NOT provide recommendations for the treatment of fish.
• C. I have experience collecting fish samples. I did NOT determine the presence of disease or pathogens.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to fish health, ichthyology, microbiology, parasitology, or aquaculture.
• E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

13


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.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. Your experience determining the presence of disease or pathogens from fish samples
3. Your experience making recommendations for the treatment of fish
4. The actual duties you performed and your level of responsibility

14


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

15



WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - COMMUNICATIONS
Communicates information to Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's (PFBC) fish hatchery staff regarding scheduled inspections, disease investigations, treatment recommendations, and fish health concerns.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience communicating with fish hatchery staff regarding inspections, disease investigations, treatment recommendations, AND fish health concerns.
• B. I have experience communicating with fish hatchery staff regarding inspections, disease investigations, treatment recommendations, OR fish health concerns.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to public speaking, communications, business writing, or English composition.
• D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

16


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.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. Your experience communicating information and to whom
3. The topic(s) of the information in which you communicated
4. The actual duties you performed and your level of responsibility

17


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question