Fish Culturist 2 - NY HELPS

Responsibilities

• Maintain and clear raceways and ponds
• Feed fish and monitor fish health; provide treatments as needed
• Load, deliver, and stock fish
• Participate in egg harvesting, fertilization, and incubation
• Maintain and repair physical plant and facility equipment
• Perform grounds maintenance
• Participate in public education efforts
• Perform record keeping and inventory activities
• Participate in scientific studies
• Direct the work of hourly employees and volunteers

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license or ability to meet the transportation needs of the position
• Ability to use personal protection equipment, including a respirator
• Ability to negotiate difficult terrain and work in remote areas
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions
• Availability for emergency response and after-hours emergencies
• Ability to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds
• Must obtain a Class B CDL within 6 months of appointment with appropriate endorsements and no air brake restriction
• Subject to drug and alcohol testing under the Federal Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act (OTETA) of 1991

Qualifications

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, meaning no examination is required but candidates must meet the minimum qualifications below. At a future date, non-competitive employment status will convert to competitive status without requiring an examination.

Non-Competitive Qualifications:

• An associate degree or higher in aquaculture, aquaculture engineering, freshwater ecology, fisheries, limnology, or mariculture; OR
• 60 semester credit hours, including at least 18 semester credit hours in specialized courses (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 transfer-eligible title on a permanent competitive basis.

55-b/55-c Candidates:

• Must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications above and include a copy of the Civil Service approval letter for the 55-b/55-c program with their application.

Schedule

• Actual work schedule and duties may vary and will be discussed at the interview
• Overtime may be required
• Overnight travel may be required
• Weekends and holidays may be required

Benefits

• Work-life balance and a generous benefits package worth 65% of salary
• Holiday and paid time off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift and 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

Pay

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.