Fish Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 seasonal 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.

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 seasonal 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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Seasonal, full-time employment
• This position is a 7 month seasonal assignment with opportunity for advancement to 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent certification of formal training.

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:

• A conditional offer of employment will require a drug screening.
• 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.

• 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.