Native Aquatics Biologist

State of Utah; Vernal (UT); On-site; USD 51,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

The Native Aquatics Biologist II position with the State of Utah is an in-office role located in Vernal, UT. It focuses on planning and implementing projects under Utah's Wildlife Action Plan, including restoration work and data collection on imperiled aquatic species.

The role requires leading field crews, coordinating with multiple agencies, and producing technical reports. A BS in biological sciences or related field plus 2+ years of experience are required; field sampling techniques and data

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional full-time experience (or >24 months including seasonal work).
• Experience with fish survey techniques such as electrofishing and netting.
• Ability to lead a field crew and work unsupervised.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare for, and organize sampling and conservation efforts for native fishes, amphibians, and mollusks.
• Field sampling may include electrofishing, netting, and passive detection; overnight camping may occur.
• Supervise field crews of up to eight personnel during surveys.
• Manage, organize, analyze, and interpret data collected from field activities.
• Oversee habitat restoration projects from concept through funding, permitting, and implementation.
• Coordinate with other agencies on research activities and management priorities.
• Provide management recommendations to the Native Aquatics Project Leader and partners.
• Draft technical reports and present findings at statewide meetings and conferences.
• Perform statistical analysis and present biologically meaningful interpretations.

Skills

Data collection

Statistical analysis

Technical report writing

Proposal development

Education

BS in biological sciences or related degree

Job description

NATIVE AQUATICS BIOLOGIST II

FT / PT Status – Full-Time

Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.

Salary – $24.51 - $28.56 Hourly Wage

Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Application Deadline – 10/21/2026*

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 is looking for someone with a passion for rare native fishes and amphibians! This position is responsible for planning and implementation of projects conducted under Utah's Wildlife Action Plan, which includes several Species of Greatest Conservation Need managed under multi-agency conservation agreements (e.g., Bluehead Sucker, Flannelmouth Sucker, Roundtail Chub, Boreal Toad, and some Mollusk spp.) The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity to implement on-the-ground restoration work and collect information on imperiled aquatic species that can directly affect decisions to preclude federal listing under the Endangered Species Act.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare for, and organize sampling and conservation efforts for native fishes (largest portion of workload), amphibians/reptiles, and mollusks.
• Field sampling often includes electrofishing (raft, boat, barge, and backpack), netting (trammel, fyke, and gill nets), and passive detection (PIT antennas). Field sampling may include overnight camping.
• Supervise field crews of up to eight personnel while conducting surveys.
• Manage, organize, analyze, and interpret data collected through field activities.
• Oversee habitat restoration projects from the concept stage through funding, permitting, and implementation.
• Coordinate with other agencies to determine research activities, management priorities, conduct surveys, and accomplish conservation goals.
• Provide management recommendations to the Native Aquatics Project Leader, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Salt Lake City staff, and associated partner agencies.
• Draft technical reports for research activities and provide presentations for statewide conservation team meetings and professional conferences.
• Perform statistical analysis on datasets with the ability to provide biologically meaningful interpretations of data through graphical representations.
• Identify and implement new scopes of work that further species conservation and prevent listings.

Qualifications

• BS in biological sciences, fisheries, or a related degree or directly related experience equivalent.
• 2 years of professional full-time experience; >24 months total if including temporary seasonal experience.
• Ability to lead a crew and carry out field work unsupervised.
• Applicable knowledge of fish survey techniques (i.e. electrofishing and netting).
• Data collection and organization, perform statistical analysis and interpret data, writing technical reports, proposal preparation and project development skills.

Preferred Or Trainable/on-the-job Qualifications

• MS in biological sciences, fisheries, or a related degree.
• Experience with or a working knowledge of Colorado River basin fish species.
• Experience with or a working knowledge of Western Toad conservation.
• Specialized survey techniques for sampling fish (i.e. acoustic or radio telemetry, weir traps, larval sampling, PIT tags, etc.
• Navigating rafts in class III or above whitewater.
• Operating motorboats on rivers.

About The Role

Location – 318 North Vernal Ave., Vernal, Utah, 84078, United States

Background Check Required – No

Drug Test Required – No

Schedule Code – AX - Employees in supervisory positions

Work Schedule – 40 hours a week / Overtime as needed

Certifications / Licensed – Valid Driver's License

• Overnight camping in remote locations for several days at a time during the field season.
• Weekend and overtime work is necessary depending on project needs that change by season.
• Occasional travel to statewide conservation team meetings and professional conferences, requiring up to several nights stay in a hotel.
• Ability to hike in moderate to rough terrain.
• Work in inclement weather.
• Work in wilderness settings.

Why You Should Join Our Team

• 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

The Native Aquatics Program with the Division of Wildlife Resources in Vernal, Utah provides an excellent opportunity to work with others that are passionate about native fish conservation (Utah Species of Greatest Conservation Need) and recovery (federally endangered species). We work with an amazing fish assemblage found only in the Colorado River basin and nowhere else in the world, all of this taking place in remote and scenic locations. This position provides a healthy balance between field and office work so things never get boring, and we always champion a positive team working environment. The variety of projects we conduct for this program provide the opportunity to gain extensive experience with numerous sampling techniques and aquatic specie making anyone a stronger biologist. As a successful

Utah Department of Natural Resources

Division of Wildlife Resources

Utah Species Protection Account

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].