Native Aquatics Biologist I

NATIVE AQUATICS BIOLOGIST I

FT / PT Status Full-Time
Benefits EligibilityThis position is eligible for a full benefits package.
Salary $22.17 - $28.16 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office Hybrid

Recruiter Karen Weir
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) onmulti-day river trips in remote canyons of the Desert Southwest.
Preference will be given to candidates with a masters 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 Bachelors 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 drivers license.
• Experience leading fisheries field work including:
  • Operating oar-powered inflatable rafts and motorized boats
  • Raft and boat-mounted electrofishing netting and trapping fish fish identification handling measuring and PIT tagging
  • General gear maintenance and troubleshooting experience
  • Trailer towing
  • Respect and clear communication (oral and written)
  • Ability to work in a leadership role and support role
  • Ability to work well with others as part of a team to foster a respectful and inclusive work culture

Preferred or trainable/on-the-job qualifications:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in fisheries aquatic ecology or related field
• Experience modeling populations using Program MARK
• Experience managing large data sets with complex statistical analysis
• Navigation of Class IV whitewater
• Jet and propeller motorboat operation on large rivers
• Outboard motor (props and jets) motor repair and maintenance
• Swiftwater rescue training wilderness medical training
• Maintenance and repair of rafting camping and sampling gear
• Experience working with endangered species
• Experience 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 .

Required Experience:

IC