Wildlife Biologist I (Aquatics)

State of Utah • Logan, UT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Aquatic Section is seeking an Aquatic Research Biologist I to support applied research projects statewide, working independently and collaboratively with fish health and research teams. The role advises on aquatic science, conducts literature reviews, evaluates novel methods and equipment, and develops and deploys solutions in the field. Work spans fisheries research, fish health, native species, and aquatic invasive species programs, with assignments that may require learning and implementing unfamiliar methods.

The position involves field collections, laboratory projects, literature reviews, consultation, and training. Work includes fish and invertebrate surveys, limnology and habitat surveys, data quality assurance, fish health inspections, necropsies, laboratory sample analysis, research on native species, and developing and maintaining incubation and rearing systems. The position is based at 1465 West 200 North, Logan, Utah, and includes both office and laboratory work and fieldwork across the state. Candidates must reside in Utah. The schedule is Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekend work is required, and the schedule may include extended days and rotating weekends. Travel, including overnight trips, and occasional camping are required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Natural Resources, Fish Health, Fisheries Biology, Microbiology, Wildlife Sciences, biological sciences, or a directly related field, with general coursework in microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry, zoology, and fisheries management; directly related work experience equivalent is accepted.
• Knowledge of general microbiological methods.
• Experience or proficiency with cell culture, DNA extraction, and PCR workflows.
• Understanding of experimental design and ability to conduct comprehensive literature reviews.
• Experience with field collections, parasite identification, and aquaculture design, particularly incubation and rearing habitats.
• Computer proficiency, including experience using MS Word, Excel, and R.
• Ability to conduct applied and basic research and perform fieldwork and sample collection.
• Strong scientific writing, communication, and data-summary skills.
• Ability to perform field and laboratory experiments and extension work addressing statewide needs and objectives.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, adapt to unfamiliar tasks, learn new methods, and implement them.
• Ability to communicate with agency personnel, develop and design research projects, analyze and interpret data, prepare technical reports, and deliver oral presentations.
• Ability to travel, including overnight trips, camp occasionally, operate four-wheel-drive vehicles and boats, tow trailers, and handle or dispose of hazardous materials and laboratory chemicals.
• Valid Utah driver’s license, or ability to obtain one.
• Ability to work in extreme and adverse weather, cold water, and field conditions, including long hours in hip or chest waders, on slippery surfaces, and in confined areas; ability to work alone and on rotating weekends.
• Ability to stand, walk over rough surfaces, bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, and repeatedly or for long periods lift at least 50 pounds.
• Must reside within the state of Utah.

Nice To Haves

• Master of Science degree in Biology, Zoology, Natural Resources, or a closely related field, or directly related work experience equivalent.
• Graduate thesis project including a full, independent research component.
• Direct experience managing research projects.
• Experience publishing peer-reviewed scientific articles.
• Experience culturing native aquatic species for conservation purposes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fish and invertebrate surveys using methods such as angling, backpack and boat 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.
• Assist with fish health inspections at sites throughout Utah, perform necropsies, prepare specimens for laboratory analysis, analyze samples, collect tissue, and transport biological samples.
• Maintain quality-control parameters; prepare media and reagents; prepare and stain slides; and work with potentially hazardous materials.
• Develop and participate in research projects associated with native species and populations.
• Conduct fish health inspections on native species at hatcheries and field sites.
• Fabricate incubation and rearing systems and carry out daily fish rearing and propagation tasks.
• Perform field and laboratory experiments and extension work to address statewide needs and objectives.
• Communicate with AAHRC and regional personnel to identify program needs, develop projects, design experiments, analyze and interpret data, formulate technical reports, and give oral presentations.
• Arrange and participate in agency or professional meetings and participate as an American Fisheries Society member.
• Travel to field sites, operate four-wheel-drive vehicles and boats, tow trailers, and camp occasionally as required.

Benefits

• Full benefits package eligibility.
• Job stability within a well-established organization.
• Career growth and opportunities to develop skills and pursue leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful work benefiting the community and supporting organizational goals.
• Supportive work environment that values cooperation and mutual support.
• Generous paid time off and support for work/life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level