Native Aquatics Biologist

United Trading Group; Vernal (UT); On-site; USD 51,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is seeking a Native Aquatics Biologist II in Vernal, UT. The role focuses on planning and conducting fieldwork for native fishes, amphibians, and mollusks, collecting data, and supporting conservation goals under the Wildlife Action Plan.

You will supervise field crews, perform statistical analysis, and prepare technical reports for state-wide teams and partners. Occasional travel and overnight field assignments are expected.

Qualifications

• BS in biological sciences or related field; experience acceptable.
• 2 years of professional full-time experience or >24 months total with seasonal work.
• Ability to lead a field crew and perform unsupervised field work.
• Knowledge of fish survey techniques (electrofishing, netting).
• Data collection, statistics, and technical reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and organize sampling for native fishes, amphibians, and mollusks.
• Field sampling including electrofishing, netting, and passive detection; may include overnight camping.
• Supervise field crews and coordinate data collection.
• Manage, analyze, and interpret field data; draft technical reports.
• Oversee habitat restoration projects from concept to implementation.
• Coordinate with agencies to set research priorities and conservation goals.
• Present findings to statewide teams and conferences; provide statistical interpretations.

Skills

Leadership

Fish survey techniques

Data analysis

Technical reporting

Statistical analysis

Field work

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences

Tools

PIT tagging

Electrofishing equipment

Netting techniques

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*

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, BorealToad, 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

Day-to-day responsibilities of this position:

• 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

Minimum or "day-one" 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

Work environment, working conditions, physical requirements –

• Overnightcamping inremote locations for several days at a time duringthe field season.
• Weekend and overtime work is necessary depending on project needs that change by season.
• Occasional travel to statewideconservation team meetingsand professional conferences, requiring up to several nights stay in a hotel.
• Ability to hike in moderate torough terrain.
• Work in inclement weather.
• Work in wilderness settings.

Why You Should Join Our Team

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

The Native Aquatics Program with the Division of Wildlife Resources in Vernal, Utah provides an excellent opportunityto 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 amazingfish 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 providesa healthy balance between field and office workso 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 extensiveexperience with numerous samplingtechniques 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].