Job Description

NATIVE AQUATICS BIOLOGIST I

FT / PT Status – Full-Time

Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.

Salary – $22.17 - $28.16 Hourly Wage

Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid

Recruiter – Karen Weir | kweir@utah.gov |

Application Deadline – 10/12/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Job Description

The UDWR Moab Field Station is looking for an native aquatics biologist I (Wildlife Biologist I) to join our team.

Incumbent-+ will serve as Principal Investigator on various fisheries projects on the Colorado, Green, and San Juan Rivers with the goal of monitoring, researching, managing, and recovering the endangered and threatened fishes of the Upper Colorado River Basin. Candidate must have strong desire to spend long field season (March-October) on multi-day river trips in remote canyons of the Desert Southwest.

Preference will be given to candidates with a master's degree in a wildlife-related natural resources field or other applicable field that is beneficial for the position. Additional preference for years of demonstrated successful full-time work experience will vary based upon the specific position.

Key Responsibilities

Day-to-day responsibilities of this position:Serves as Principal Investigator for several fisheries research, monitoring, and management projects; design, plan, and implement scientific studies.Lead multi-day field efforts in remote river locations with crews up to 9 people.Collect, record, and manage accurate scientific data in accordance with complex sampling protocols.Capture fish using various methods including raft and boat-mounted electrofishers, seines, trammel nets, light traps, and hoop nets.Identify, measure, and PIT tag endangered, native, and nonnative fishes of the Upper Colorado River Basin.Analyze data to answer research questions, model population trends, and support management decisions.Report and present findings in formal and informal settings, in written and verbal forms.Treat coworkers and the public with dignity, equality, empathy, and respect.

Qualifications

Minimum or "day-one" qualifications: Requirements:Applicants who are currently enrolled in a Bachelor's program will be considered.Experience designing, planning, implementing, and synthesizing scientific research and field studies.Proficiency with data collection, management, and QA/QC.Data analysis experience including a strong working knowledge of statistical software for biological data analysis (Program R, Excel) and experience modeling and estimating population parameters.Proficiency with technical scientific writing and oral presentations of findings.Must possess or be able to obtain a valid driver's license.Experience leading fisheries field work including:Operating oar-powered inflatable rafts and motorized boatsRaft and boat-mounted electrofishing, netting and trapping fish, fish identification, handling, measuring, and PIT taggingGeneral gear maintenance and troubleshooting experience Trailer towingRespect and clear communication (oral and written)Ability to work in a leadership role and support roleAbility to work well with others as part of a team to foster a respectful and inclusive work culturePreferred or trainable/on-the-job qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree in fisheries, aquatic ecology, or related fieldExperience modeling populations using Program MARKExperience managing large data sets with complex statistical analysisNavigation of Class IV whitewaterJet and propeller motorboat operation on large riversOutboard motor (props and jets) motor repair and maintenanceSwiftwater rescue training, wilderness medical trainingMaintenance and repair of rafting, camping, and sampling gearExperience working with endangered speciesExperience with ETS electrofishers mounted to rafts and jon-boats, hoop nets, trammel nets, larval light traps, and seines

About the Role

Location –

1165 So Hwy 191

Moab, Utah, 84532

United States

Background Check Required – No

Drug Test Required – No

Schedule Code – TL - Time limited

Supplemental Information - Candidates must reside within the state of Utah.

Work Schedule - 80 hours in two weeks/Full Bennefits

Work environment, working conditions, physical requirements:

• Risks which require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment, e.g., working around operation machines, working with contagious diseases or hazardous chemicals, etc.
• Work requires physical exertion. May require the ability to stand, walk over rough surfaces, bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, and lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 pounds) in a recurring manner and/or for long period of time.
• Must be able to row heavy rafts in Class III – IV whitewater and/or operate motorized Jon-boats in shallow, riverine conditions.
• Must be able to lift 50+ lbs, work on unstable surfaces, work long hours in rugged and remote areas in inclement (very hot, very cold, wet, windy, dark) weather.
• Must be able to work in conditions while maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and team-oriented attitude that contributes positively to group morale.
• Must be willing and eager to spend a long field season on up to 10 days trips in remote locations.
• Must have a strong desire to be part of a team.

Why You Should Join Our Team

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency

The Native Aquatics Program in the Division of Wildlife Resources in Southestern Utah, provides on excellent opportunity to participate in native species conservation in remote canyon reaches of the Green, Colorado, and San Juan Rivers. The work has a wide variety of project objectives, project locvations, species, sampling methods, and data analysis techniques. Come join a skilled, respectful, enthusiastic, committed team of biologists and technicians. This position is based out of Moab, a hub of outdoor recreation, a diverse and vibrant community, and endless backcountry to explore on you days off. This job provides opportunities for career advancement through job experience, trainings, and/or education assistance programs.

Utah Department of Natural Resources

Division of Wildlife Resources

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.