Wildlife Biologist II

State of Utah Office of the Governor • Moab, UT

3d • $23 - $29 • Onsite

About The Position

The UDWR Moab Field Station is looking for two native aquatics biologists II (Wildlife Biologist II) to join our team. Incumbents 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in fisheries, natural sciences, conservation, or related field. Or directly related work experience equivalent.
• 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.
• Experience leading fisheries field work including: Operating oar-powered inflatable rafts and motorized boats
• Must posses or be able to obtain a valid driver's license.
• 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 these 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.

Nice To Haves

• Master's 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 equipment

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.
• education assistance programs

What This Job Offers

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