Salary: $60,538.00 - $92,010.00 Annually
Location : Cumberland County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2026-60973-14760
Department: Fish & Boat Commission
Division: FB Hntsdl Spcs Rcvry Unt
Opening Date: 11/02/2026
Closing Date: 11/15/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 14760
Position Number: 50655137
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: B4
Pay Group: ST07
Bureau / Division Code: 00223322
Bureau / Division: Fish and Boat Huntsdale Species Recovery Unit
Worksite Address: 1704 Pine Road
City: Newville, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17241
Contact Name: Scott Hobbie
Contact Email: [click to reveal email address]shobbie@pa.gov

THE POSITION

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is seeking a skilled and passionate Fisheries Biologist 2 to join our team in managing, conserving, and enhancing aquatic resources throughout the Commonwealth. This role involves propagation, fieldwork, laboratory analysis, data management, and collaboration with other agencies and the public to ensure the conservation and recovery of federal/state threatened, endangered species, and Species of Greatest Conservation Need. You will work alongside a team of dedicated professionals, applying science-based solutions to improve nongame conservation and restoration. Apply today to become a driving force in the protection and restoration of aquatic life in Pennsylvania!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position assists the Huntsdale Species Recovery Unit Leader (Fisheries Biologist 3) with implementing a regional program to restore, recover, and propagate diadromous fishes, freshwater mussels, non-game fish, amphibians, reptiles, and other aquatic organisms; with focus on American Shad, threatened and endangered species, and Species of Greatest Conservation Need within these taxonomic groups. Work also involves serving on ad hoc and/or formal committees regarding propagation of nongame species, responding to emergency alarms/calls as appropriate, as well as working rotating weekends and holidays. Additional responsibilities may include:

Field Leadership: Lead brood stock collection and monitoring work when the Unit Leader is not present and support recovery efforts for diadromous and rare species
Species Propagation: Carry out propagation tasks for fish and mussel species of concern and maintain systems that support healthy growth and production goals
Data Analysis: Collect biological samples, prepare and analyze otoliths, record accurate data, and enter findings into agency databases
Habitat and Review Support: Assist with environmental reviews, habitat assessments, and technical guidance for threatened, endangered, and nongame species
Public Outreach: Provide information to the public and take part in presentations and outreach events
Program Assistance: Help develop and support restoration programs, permitting activities, grant work, and other tasks that aid species recovery and conservation

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, with a 30-minute lunch, rotating weekend and holiday schedule.
Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. Telework schedule will depend on operational needs. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Newville. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
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:

One year of experience as a Fisheries Biologist 1, PFBC (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
One year of professional experience conducting fish studies, fish investigations, or fish research and 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:

This position requires possession of a valid driver's 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.
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 [click to reveal website link] 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

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

If you answered yes to the above question, 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 been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Fisheries Biologist 1, PFBC for one or more years full-time?

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

Have you completed 12 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 a 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.

How many years of full-time professional experience do you possess conducting fish studies, fish investigations, or fish research?

1 year or more
6 months but less than 1 year
Less than 6 months
None

How much graduate coursework have you completed in fisheries management, fisheries science, fish population dynamics, fish pathology, fish culture, fish ecology, ichthyology, limnology, wetland ecology and management, herpetology, or freshwater entomology?
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 a 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.

30 credits or more
Less than 30 credits
None

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

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
Investigates, analyzes, and quantifies the biological, chemical, physical, and social attributes of fisheries in streams, rivers, impoundments, and estuaries. Makes recommendations regarding the need for manipulations (e.g., regulatory actions, fish stocking, habitat modifications, public outreach) of fish populations, their habitats, and their users to meet desired objectives. Evaluates the success, failure, progress, or acceptance of fisheries manipulations.
Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience investigating, analyzing, or quantifying the biological, chemical, physical, or social attributes of fisheries in streams, rivers, impoundments, or estuaries. I made recommendations regarding the need for fisheries manipulations and evaluated the success, failure, progress, or acceptance of the manipulations.
B. I have experience investigating, analyzing, or quantifying the biological, chemical, physical, or social attributes of fisheries in streams, rivers, impoundments, or estuaries. I DID NOT make recommendations regarding the need for fisheries manipulations.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to fisheries science or aquatic ecology.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

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
Your experience investigating, analyzing, or quantifying the biological, chemical, physical, or social attributes of fisheries in streams, rivers, impoundments, or estuaries
Your experience making recommendations regarding the need for fisheries manipulations and evaluating the success, failure, progress, or acceptance of the manipulations
Your level of responsibility

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.

College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours

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 Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience sampling fish populations using a variety of active or passive sampling gears or techniques. I identified aquatic organisms using dichotomous keys, reference collections, or other resources. I estimated and analyzed abundance, age and growth, or size and weight data of fish populations.
B. I have experience sampling fish populations using a variety of active or passive sampling gears or techniques. I identified aquatic organisms using dichotomous keys,?reference collections, or other resources. I did NOT estimate and analyze abundance, age and growth, or size and weight data of fish populations.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to fisheries management, fish biology, or ichthyology.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
The actual duties you performed related to sampling fish populations using a variety of active or passive sampling gear or techniques, including the type(s) of gear and techniques
Your experience identifying aquatic organisms using dichotomous keys, reference collections, or other resources
Your experience estimating abundance, age and growth, or size and weight data of fish populations

College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - DATA
Collects, records, and formats fisheries data. Manages and develops spreadsheets, enters data into databases, performs statistical analysis of data, and creates graphical and tabular representation of data.
Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience collecting, recording, AND formatting fisheries data. I managed and developed spreadsheets, entered data into databases, performed statistical analysis, AND created graphical and tabular representation of data.
B. I have experience collecting, recording, OR formatting fisheries data. I managed and developed spreadsheets, entered data into databases, performed statistical analysis, OR created graphical and tabular representation of data.
C. I have experience collecting, recording, OR formatting data NOT related to fisheries. I managed and developed spreadsheets, entered data into databases, performed statistical analysis, OR created graphical and tabular representation of data.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to statistics, data analysis, or computer science.
E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
Your experience collecting, recording, and formatting fisheries data, including the type(s) of data
Your experience managing and developing spreadsheets, entering data into databases, performing statistical analysis, OR creating graphical and tabular representation of data
Your level of responsibility

College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - SPECIES PROPAGATION
Monitors the conditions of fish in a controlled environment and recommends adjustments to water quality, diets, husbandry, or propagation methods to maintain optimal rearing systems and improve propagation efficiency or production. Develops scientific data-driven stocking plans (i.e., where, when, and how many to stock) based on the presence of suitable habitat, proximity to existing populations, and genetic makeup of cultured and wild populations. Note that "Fish" includes nongame fish, amphibians, reptiles, and aquatic invertebrates.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience monitoring the conditions of fish in a controlled environment and recommending adjustments to water quality, diets, husbandry, or propagation methods to maintain optimal rearing systems and improve propagation efficiency or production.
B. I have experience monitoring the conditions of fish in a controlled environment. I did NOT make recommendations to adjust water quality, diets, husbandry, or propagation methods.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to fish physiology, fish pathology, herpetology, or invertebrate zoology.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
The actual duties you performed monitoring the conditions of fish to ensure optimal rearing systems for propagation
Your experience recommending adjustments to water quality, diets, husbandry, or propagation methods
Your level of responsibility

College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Writes documents detailing results and conclusions from fisheries fieldwork and other related scientific investigations for publication in scientific journals, technical reports, and popular media.
Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience writing documents detailing results or conclusions from fisheries fieldwork or other related scientific investigations. I was responsible for the final content of the documents.
B. I have experience drafting portions or sections of documents detailing results or conclusions from fisheries fieldwork or other related scientific investigations. Someone else was responsible for the final content of the documents.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to scientific writing, technical writing, or report writing.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
The type(s) of written material you were responsible for writing or drafting
Your level of responsibility

College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 6 - SUPERVISION
Provides the full range of supervisory duties which include planning, organizing, and delegating work among positions; training staff; assigning and monitoring subordinate activities for accuracy and timeliness; monitoring time and attendance and approving leave; evaluating employee performance and establishing performance standards; implementing discipline; and interviewing and selecting candidates for hire.
Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience performing the full range of supervisory duties which included approving leave, evaluating staff performance, establishing performance standards, implementing discipline, and interviewing and selecting candidates for hire.
B. I have experience as a lead worker which included assigning or delegating work to staff, monitoring others' work for accuracy or timeliness, and training new staff.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to supervisory development, labor relations, or human resource management; but I do NOT have at least six months of supervisory or lead work experience in a work setting.
D. I have NO experience, coursework, or training related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
Your duties as a supervisor (approving leave, implementing discipline, evaluating staff, etc.)
Your duties as a lead worker (assigning work, reviewing work, etc.)
Your level of responsibility

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, 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.

College/University/Training Source
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Fisheries Biologist 2, PFBC

Fisheries Biologist 2, PFBC

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