Fish Culturist 1

THE POSITION

Would you like physical work in the outdoors, for a state agency that provides fishing and boating opportunities for individuals and families in Pennsylvania's many lakes, rivers, and streams? Would you be interested in a position that could turn into permanent employment after a successful training period (that includes obtaining a Commercial Driver's License)? If so, this may be the job for you! The Fish Culturist 1 role with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers a chance to support healthy fish populations and strengthen outdoor recreation across the state. This position allows you to develop hands-on skills in fish care and hatchery operations. Bring your dedication and energy to a team that helps create memorable fishing experiences for communities statewide.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports the daily operation of a fish culture station by assisting in fish propagation, care, stocking, and facility upkeep. The role focuses on learning and performing practical tasks that promote healthy fish populations and efficient hatchery functions. As a Fish Culturist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Fish Care: Learn and perform tasks that support fish growth, health, and well-being across all life stages
• Egg Management: Prepare, monitor, and maintain egg incubation systems while tracking development and hatch outcomes
• Facility Upkeep: Maintain buildings, equipment, grounds, and treatment systems to support efficient hatchery operations
• Fish Transport: Assist with preparing, loading, and delivering fish safely and efficiently to stocking locations
• Record Keeping: Document fish inventory, feeding, growth, transport, and other operational activities with accuracy
• Emergency Response: Respond to issues such as equipment failure or water quality changes to protect fish health

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
• This position is a 7 month seasonal assignment with opportunity for advancement to a full time position.
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
• This position may require some weekend, evening, and holiday work as well as standby time.
• This position does not receive medical benefits. Paid time off accrues after working 750 regular (non-overtime) hours in each calendar year.
• 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

Recruitment Methods 

Reassignment   Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment.

Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.  

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License.
• Employee entering this classification must obtain a Commercial Driver's License that permits the operation of vehicles of 26,000 lbs. or more prior to completing their probationary period.

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).
• 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 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).

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.

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

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 www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov