Native Aquatic Biologist II

Wildlife Resources

Job Title: Native Aquatics Biologist - Wildlife Biologist II

Job Description:
The UDWR Moab Field Station is looking for a native aquatics biologist II (Wildlife Biologist II) 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.

The Native Aquatics Program in the Division of Wildlife Resources in Southeastern 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 locations, 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. Additionally, the state of Utah offers a generous leave and benefits package.

• Utah Department of Natural Resources
• Division of Wildlife Resources

Responsibilities

As a native aquatics biologist, you will:

• 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

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Education & Experience: A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, natural sciences, conservation, or a related field. Alternatively, equivalent work experience is acceptable.
• Scientific Expertise: Experience with the full research cycle: designing, planning, implementing, and synthesizing scientific studies. This includes proficiency in data collection, management, and quality control.
• Data Analysis: Strong working knowledge of statistical software like R and Excel for analyzing biological data and modeling population parameters.
• Technical Communication: Proficiency in technical scientific writing and giving oral presentations of research findings.
• Field Leadership: Experience leading fisheries field work, including operating oar-powered rafts and motorized boats, and towing trailers.
• Fisheries Techniques: Experience with raft and boat-mounted electrofishing, netting and trapping fish, fish identification, handling, measuring, and PIT tagging.
• Teamwork & Leadership: The ability to work both in a leadership and support role, demonstrating clear communication and a strong commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work culture.

• Advanced Education: A Master's degree in fisheries, aquatic ecology, or a related field.
• Advanced Data Analysis: Experience modeling populations using Program MARK.
• Equipment & Navigation: Expertise in Class IV whitewater navigation, operating propeller and jet motorboats on large rivers, and repairing/maintaining outboard motors.
• Certifications: Swiftwater rescue and wilderness medical training.
• Field Experience: Experience working with endangered species, supervising large teams (5 or more people) on multi-day trips in remote locations, and using digital data loggers and various sampling gear (e.g., ETS electrofishers, hoop nets, trammel nets, larval light traps, and seines).
• Professional Development: Experience with or training in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), emotional intelligence, and workplace respect.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions

• Physical Demands: This is a physically demanding role. You must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, stand and walk for extended periods on uneven surfaces, and perform tasks that require bending, crouching, and reaching.
• Environmental Exposure: You will work long hours in rugged, remote locations. You must be prepared for a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, wind, and darkness. The field season runs from March to October and includes multi-day trips of up to 10 days at a time, totaling approximately 80 days per year.
• Specialized Skills: You must be able to row heavy rafts in Class III-IV whitewater and/or operate motorized jon boats in shallow river conditions.
• Safety and Teamwork: The work involves potential hazards that require the use of special safety equipment and precautions. A respectful, inclusive, and enthusiastic attitude is essential for contributing to a positive team-oriented environment.

Certifications & Requirements

• Required Certifications: You must obtain Wilderness Medical Training (WAFA, WFR, or WEMT) and Swiftwater Rescue Training within one year of hire.
• Driver's License: Must possess or be able to obtain a valid driver's license.

Housing Information

• Affordable housing in Moab is extremely difficult to find, and no housing or housing stipend is currently provided.
• Current staff can offer advice and connect new hires with affordable housing resources. Please consult the current policy for more details.

• Please note, a position's eligibility for telework is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.