GBRC Research Project Leader

State of Utah; Ephraim (UT); On-site; USD 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) seeks a Research Project Leader for the Great Basin Research Center (GBRC) in Ephraim, UT. You will manage habitat restoration programs, supervise staff, and coordinate research across Utah and the Intermountain West.

The role requires a master's degree in Range Ecology or Wildlife Biology, with strong GIS and data skills. Responsibilities include representing DWR at meetings and preparing technical reports.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Range Ecology, Wildlife Biology, or related field.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and software, and experimental design, or direct related work experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee wildlife habitat research projects and programs at the GBRC in Ephraim, focusing on habitat restoration methodologies and plant material development.
• Develop, implement, and report on habitat research in collaboration with GBRC staff and regional partners across Utah and the Intermountain West, including managing operations at the GBRC research farm in Fountain Green, UT.
• Assist with budget development, financial monitoring, and reporting for research grants.
• Direct and mentor multiple full-time employees and seasonal field crews.
• Provide outreach to restoration practitioners and serve as a technical consultant on statewide restoration projects.

Skills

Wildlife sciences

Conservation management

Identification

Analytical reasoning

Field methodology

Research & data

Communication

Leadership

Technical GIS

Education

Master's degree in Range Ecology / Wildlife Biology

Tools

GIS

Statistical software

Databases

Job description

GREAT BASIN RESEARCH CENTER (GBRC) RESEARCH PROJECT LEADER - WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST III

FT / PT Status – Full-Time Salary – $27.09 – $30.10 Hourly Wage Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site Recruiter – Karen Weir | [e-mail] | 8015387425 Application Deadline – 9/14/2026*

• 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 Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) seeks a motivated leader with wildlife habitat research experience to manage research and farm programs at the Great Basin Research Center (GBRC) in Ephraim, Utah. This position oversees habitat restoration projects across Utah and the Intermountain West, manages operations at the GBRC research farm in Fountain Green, and focuses on restoration methodologies and plant material development. Additional duties include supervising full-time and seasonal staff, managing grant budgets, and serving as a statewide technical consultant for restoration practitioners.

The ideal candidate will hold a master's degree or higher in Range Ecology or Wildlife Biology, with strong preference given to those proficient in statistical software, GIS, and database management. The successful candidate will also represent the DWR and GBRC at professional meetings through oral presentations and technical reports.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Management: Oversee wildlife habitat research projects and programs at the Great Basin Research Center (GBRC) in Ephraim, UT, focusing on habitat restoration methodologies and plant material development.
• Project Operations: Develop, implement, and report on habitat research in collaboration with GBRC staff and regional partners across Utah and the Intermountain West, including managing operations at the GBRC research farm in Fountain Green, UT.
• Fiscal Support: Assist with budget development, financial monitoring, and reporting for research grants.
• Personnel Supervision: Direct and mentor multiple full-time employees and seasonal field crews.
• Technical Guidance & Outreach: Provide outreach to restoration practitioners and serve as a technical consultant on statewide restoration projects.
• Professional Representation: Represent the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and GBRC at professional meetings through oral presentations and technical reports.

Qualifications

Minimum or "day-one" qualifications:

The candidate should possess knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

• Wildlife Sciences: Principles, theories, and practices of wildlife ecology, habitat requirements, and restoration.
• Conservation Management: Management, protection, propagation, and conservation of fish and wildlife species.
• Identification: Identification of various wildlife, domestic animals, plant species, and seed/grain.
• Analytical Reasoning: Use of logic to identify underlying principles or facts and draw data-driven conclusions.
• Field Methodology: Vegetation sampling, monitoring practices, and land/range management theories.
• Research & Data: Research methods, data collection, and conducting methodical examinations.
• Communication: Composing professional reports and delivering presentations or training using effective techniques.
• Leadership: Functional supervision of seasonal employees, volunteers, or resident workers.
• Technical Skills: Operation of specialized equipment and proficiency with GIS.

Preferred Or Trainable/on-the-job Qualifications

MS or higher in Range Ecology, Wildlife Biology, or related field; familiarity with statistical analysis and software, and experimental design, or directly related work experience equivalent.

About The Role

Location

494 W 100 S

Ephraim, Utah, 84627

United States

Background Check Required – No

Drug Test Required – No

Schedule Code – AX - Employees in supervisory positions

Work Schedule - Full time

Special Working Conditions Or Physical Requirements

Work is a mixture of office and field work. Field work will require physical exertion. May require the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time. Regular travel in state, occasional out of state travel is required. Candidate must have a valid driver's license.

Certifications/Licenses - Candidate must have, or be able to obtain within 6 months of hire, a pesticide applicators license.

Why You Should Join Our Team

Benefits

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, 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

Join our team in a rewarding career working for the Division of Wildlife Resources. You will be helping improve habitat for wildlife and making sure Utah maintains abundant wildlife populations for years to come. Enjoy a flexible work schedule with generous paid time off and great health benefits. Work location is in beautiful, rural Sanpete county with access to numerous outdoor recreation opportunities.

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 [phone].