Fish Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Duties Description Incumbent will be responsible for general fish culture and hatchery maintenance duties and may direct the work of hourly employees and volunteers. Under the general supervision of a Fish Culturist 3 or 4, incumbent will maintain and clear raceways and ponds; feed fish; monitor fish health and provide treatments; load, deliver, and stock fish; and participate in egg harvesting, fertilization, and incubation. Incumbent will also maintain and repair physical plant and facility equipment; perform grounds maintenance; participate in public education efforts; perform record keeping and inventory activities; and participate in scientific studies.

Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination.

Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified. Non-Competitive qualifications: EITHER an associate degree or higher in one of the following fields: aquaculture, aquaculture engineering, freshwater ecology, fisheries, limnology, or mariculture; OR 60 semester credit hours, including at least 18 semester credit hours in specialized courses including aquaculture, aquaculture engineering, freshwater ecology, fisheries, limnology, or mariculture; OR 30 semester credit hours, including at least 12 semester credit hours in the specialized courses listed above and one year of experience in fisheries management and/or fish culture.

Competitive qualifications: Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC or Reinstatement Eligible - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis. 55-b/55-c Candidates must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications below and include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55-b/55-c program: EITHER an associate degree or higher in one of the following fields: aquaculture, aquaculture engineering, freshwater ecology, fisheries, limnology, or mariculture; OR 60 semester credit hours, including at least 18 semester credit hours in specialized courses including aquaculture, aquaculture engineering, freshwater ecology, fisheries, limnology, or mariculture; OR 30 semester credit hours, including at least 12 semester credit hours in the specialized courses listed above and one year of experience in fisheries management and/or fish culture. Additional Comments Must have a valid driver's license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.

Transportation needs of this position require use of a state vehicle and adhering to the Department's Vehicle Policy. You must have and maintain a valid driver's license for this position. Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.

Must be able to work in remote areas. Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions. Travel may be required.

Overtime may be required. Overnight travel may be required. Weekends and holidays may be required.

Must be available for emergency response. Must obtain a Class B CDL within 6 months of appointment with appropriate endorsements and no air brake restriction. Will be subject to the Federal Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act (OTETA) of 1991, which requires employee testing for drug and alcohol abuse.

Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds. We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including: Holiday & Paid Time Off Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Pension from New York State Employees' Retirement System Shift & Geographic pay differentials Affordable Health Care options Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost NYS Deferred Compensation plan Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds And many more..

For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.

If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please email: equity@dec.ny.gov. Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT)

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.