Wildlife Biologist I (Aquatics)
About The Position
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Aquatic Section is seeking an Aquatic Research Biologist I to support applied research projects statewide as part of its fish health and research teams. The role combines independent work and collaboration, including advising on aquatic science, conducting literature reviews, evaluating methods and equipment, and implementing solutions in the field. Work supports fisheries research, fish health, native species, and aquatic invasive species programs. The selected candidate will conduct field collections and laboratory projects, prepare literature reviews, and provide consultation or training. Duties may include fisheries surveys, habitat and limnology surveys, data entry and quality assurance, fish aging and sample preparation, eDNA work, fish health inspections, necropsies, laboratory analyses, tissue collection, and specimen transport. Native species work may include research, fish health inspections, building incubation and rearing systems, and fish rearing and propagation. The position also involves preparing technical reports and scientific publications, presenting findings, and adapting to new tasks and methods. The position is based at the Animal Aquatic Health and Research Center in Logan, Utah. It is full-time and in-office/on-site, with a Monday–Thursday schedule of 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Weekend work is required, and the schedule may include extended days and rotating weekends. Candidates must reside in Utah. Work takes place in office, laboratory, and outdoor field settings, sometimes in extreme weather and hazardous conditions. Travel, including overnight trips, and occasional camping are required. Applicants must be able to operate four-wheel-drive vehicles and boats, tow trailers, handle hazardous materials and laboratory chemicals, and perform recurring lifting of at least 50 pounds. A valid Utah driver’s license is required. The position is time-limited.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Natural Resources, Fish Health, Fisheries Biology, Microbiology, Wildlife Sciences, biological sciences, or a directly related field, with relevant coursework, or directly related work experience equivalent.
- Knowledge of general microbiological methods.
- Computer proficiency and experience using MS Word, Excel, and R.
- Ability to conduct applied and basic research.
- Ability to perform field work and collect samples for various purposes.
- Strong communication and scientific writing skills.
- Ability to perform field and laboratory experiments and extension work.
- Ability to work independently and as a team participant.
- Ability to travel, including overnight trips, and camp occasionally.
- Ability to operate four-wheel-drive vehicles and boats and tow trailers.
- Ability to handle and dispose of hazardous materials and work with laboratory chemicals and strong cleaning agents.
- Valid Utah driver’s license, or ability to obtain one.
- Ability to work in extreme and adverse weather, cold water, on slippery surfaces, in confined areas, and alone; work long hours in hip- or chest-waders; and work rotating weekends.
- Ability to stand, walk over rough surfaces, bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, and lift at least 50 pounds recurrently or for long periods.
- Must reside within the state of Utah.
Nice To Haves
- Master of Science in Biology, Zoology, Natural Resources, or a closely related field, or directly related work experience equivalent.
- Completion of a graduate thesis project with a full, independent research component.
- Direct experience managing research projects, publishing peer-reviewed scientific articles, and culturing native aquatic species for conservation purposes.
- Hands-on experience with cell culture, DNA extraction, and PCR workflows.
- Experience with experimental design, comprehensive literature reviews, field collections, parasite identification, and aquaculture design, especially incubation and rearing habitats.
Responsibilities
- Conduct applied and basic research and perform field and laboratory experiments to address statewide needs.
- Carry out fish and invertebrate surveys using methods such as angling, electrofishing, gill nets, plankton tows, and Schindler traps.
- Conduct limnology and habitat surveys; enter and quality-check data; prepare and age otoliths; prepare stable isotope samples; and participate in eDNA sampling and collaboration.
- Conduct literature reviews and prepare reports and peer-reviewed publications.
- Travel to sites statewide to assist with fish health inspections, perform necropsies, prepare specimens for laboratory analysis, analyze samples, collect tissue, and transport biological samples.
- Maintain laboratory quality-control parameters; prepare media and reagents; prepare and stain slides; and work with potentially hazardous materials.
- Develop and conduct literature reviews and research projects involving native species and populations.
- Conduct fish health inspections on native species at hatcheries and field sites.
- Fabricate incubation and rearing systems and perform daily fish rearing and propagation tasks.
- Communicate with AAHRC and regional personnel to identify program needs, develop projects, design experiments, analyze and interpret data, and formulate technical reports.
- Provide oral presentations at UDWR and other professional meetings; participate in and arrange agency or professional meetings; and participate as an American Fisheries Society member.
- Provide consultation or training and adapt to unfamiliar tasks and methods as needed.
Benefits
- Full benefits package eligibility.
- Job stability within a well-established organization.
- Career growth and opportunities to develop skills and leadership.
- Meaningful work that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
- Supportive, cooperative work environment.
- Generous paid time off and work/life balance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
