Natural Resources Job Board

Position:    Fisheries Biologist Aide (FBA)                                                

Status:       Paid, seasonal     

Duration:   Varies, up to 36 weeks typically beginning in March and ending in November

Location:  Centre Region Office

                   595 East Rolling Ridge Drive

                   Bellefonte, PA 16823

Wage:        $17.00 per hour, paid biweekly

Hours:       37.5 hours per week (holidays unpaid), limited overtime may be required

       8 am to 4 pm M-F typical, varied schedules possible to accomplish field work

Closing:    open until filled

 

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is refilling several Fisheries Biologist Aide (FBA) positions for the 2025 field season in its Division of Habitat Management, Stream Habitat Section. 

 

Fisheries Biologist Aides assist Fisheries Biologists with field and office activities aimed to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources.  Work may occur across the Commonwealth and involve overnight travel.  Travel costs are reimbursable.  Work sometimes involves long hours, working in inclement weather, and requires the ability to operate PFBC vehicles.  Specialized gear and required safety apparel will be provided by PFBC when needed (waders, hard hats, hi-vis clothing, etc.).

                         

Duties will vary between work units, so a description of the work conducted in each Division is provided on page 2.  Work will involve assisting biologists with field and office work to improve and enhance stream and lake habitats across the Commonwealth.  Work will involve participating in active construction projects to improve stream and lake habitat.  Office work may include fisheries and habitat data management and reporting, GIS mapping, database entry, and the repair and maintenance of field equipment including boats, boat motors, trailers, gas powered hand tools (chainsaws, drills, whackers), battery powered hand tools, generators, electrofishing gear, and various nets.

Our office is seeking responsible and dependable individuals who meet the following qualifications:

§  B.A. / B.S. degree in natural sciences, biology, fisheries, wildlife, environmental sciences, or ecology, OR currently enrolled at an accredited college/university pursuing a degree in natural sciences, biology, fisheries, wildlife, environmental sciences, or ecology.

§  Communicates effectively orally and in writing.

§  Safely operate and maintain equipment, vehicles, and watercraft following agency protocols.

§  Safely operate and maintain power tools like nail guns, chainsaws, and power drills.

§  Lift over 40 pounds, work in inclement weather, and negotiate difficult terrain.

§  Use of fish collection equipment including electrofishing gear, trap nets, gill nets, and seines.

§  Experience using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ArcMap.

§  Ability to collect and record fisheries survey data.

§  Valid PA driver’s license.

§  Selected candidate will be required to obtain three background certifications prior to employment with PFBC:  Child Abuse, State Police, and FBI Clearances.

The Division of Habitat Management (DHM) provides technical guidance and works with partner organizations to implement stream and lake habitat improvement projects across the Commonwealth.  Fieldwork involves participation in lake and instream construction projects working with various power tools and around heavy machinery to improve stream and lake habitat.  For questions pertaining to DHM contact Jacob Finkle (814-424-0777 or jfinkle@pa.gov ).  For more information about DHM: Habitat (fishandboat.com)

Application Instructions:

Applicants should submit a cover letter describing their interest in fisheries work with PFBC, a resume, and contact information for three references.  This information can be submitted via email to Jacob Finkle, jfinkle@pa.gov.  Applications will be reviewed as they are received and hiring supervisors will reach out directly to selected candidates to schedule interviews. 

This is a mid-season posting due to unexpected vacancies.  It will remain open until filled.  Positions will be hired on a first come first serve basis, and employment will last through late October with the opportunity for rehire in the Spring of 2026. 

Seasonal positions like FBAs provide excellent opportunities to gain experience working on a variety of projects for a state fisheries agency.  Many PFBC full-time Fisheries Biologists started their careers as seasonal FBAs.