Regional Aquatic Program Manager

State of Utah; Cedar City (UT); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Full benefits package

Great medical and dental insurance

Pension and 401(k)/457 retirement

Job summary

State of Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources seeks a Regional Aquatics Program Manager to lead regional sportfish and native species programs. You will supervise staff, manage budgets, and coordinate grants while aligning with state goals.

The role involves monitoring populations, guiding research, and developing management plans, plus engaging with RACs and partners to advance conservation and angling opportunities.

Qualifications

• Degree in Fisheries Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Wildlife Management or related field or equivalent experience.
• Preferred: supervisory and program management experience; Masters in Fisheries Science.
• Certifications: AF S likely; knowledge of Utah native species and AIS strategies.
• Experience with stream/lake restoration, water law, and grant administration.

Responsibilities

• Direct regional sportfish and native aquatic species programs.
• Oversee team, budget, and state/federal grant management.
• Monitor populations, support research, and inform management plans.
• Represent DWR at RAC meetings and engage stakeholders.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Team leadership

Public engagement

Budget management

Education

Fisheries Biology

Aquatic Ecology

Masters in Fisheries Science

Tools

ArcGIS

R (fisheries analysis)

FAST

MARK

Job description

REGIONAL AQUATICS PROGRAM MANAGER

FT / PT Status – Full-Time

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

Salary – $27.34 - $43.36 Hourly Wage

Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid

Recruiter – Karen Weir | [e-mail]

Application Deadline – 10/25/2026*

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

Position Overview & Day-to-Day Impact

Lead the team that protects, conserves, and enhances Southern Utah's aquatic ecosystems and world-class fisheries. As the Regional Aquatics Program Manager, you will oversee regional fisheries management, native species conservation, and coordinate on issues like habitat restoration and aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention. Your work directly balances ecological preservation with high-quality angling opportunities across the region.

Team Culture & Key Collaborators

Join a Collaborative, Science-driven Culture Dedicated To Wildlife Conservation, Team Mentorship, And Public Service. You Will Direct a Team Of Regional Aquatic Biologists While Collaborating Closely With Key Partners

Regional Leadership

Work alongside the Regional Supervisor, Habitat Manager, Terrestrial Wildlife Manager, and Wildlife Conservation Officers.

Statewide Leadership

Partner with the Chief of Aquatics, Statewide Coordinators, and Hatchery Managers to align local strategies with state goals.

External Partners

Engage with federal agencies (USFS, BLM, USFWS), water districts, local angling groups, and private landowners.

Key Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

• Program Leadership: Direct regional sportfish and native aquatic species.
• Team & Budget Management: Supervise, train, and mentor staff while managing regional budgets and state/federal grants.
• Science & Regulation: Oversee population monitoring, scientific research, and data analysis to inform management, fishing regulations and develop, implement and adhere to management plans.
• Public Engagement: Represent the DWR at Regional Advisory Council (RAC) meetings and engage with key stakeholders.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Degree in Fisheries Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Wildlife Management, or a related natural resources field or equivalent experience.

Preferred Or Trainable/on-the-job Qualifications

• Proven supervisory and program management experience.
• Masters degree in Fisheries Science or related field
• Certifications: Certified Fisheries Professional (AFS).
• Western Aquatics & AIS Expertise: Knowledge of Utah native species (e.g., Cutthroat trout lineages) and quagga/zebra mussel containment strategies.
• Habitat & Water Knowledge: Experience with stream/lake restoration techniques and basic familiarity with Western water law/instream flows.
• Data & Software Skills: Proficiency in ArcGIS, fisheries analysis tools (R, FAST, MARK), and Federal Aid (DJ) or WRI grant administration.
• Public & Partner Relations: Experience presenting to public groups/boards (e.g., RACs, public committees) and leading multi-agency projects (USFS, BLM, USFWS, water districts).

About The Role

Location

1470 N Airport Rd

Cedar City, Utah, 84720

United States

Background Check Required

No

Drug Test Required

No

Schedule Code

AX - Employees in supervisory positions

Work Schedule

Mon - Fri, 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week

Work Environment, Working Conditions, Physical Requirements

• Field & Weather: Outdoor work in remote lakes, streams, and backcountry sites, requiring adaptability to severe weather (extreme heat, freezing cold, snow).
• Travel & Schedule: Mix of office and field work. Field work will require regional travel with long days, early mornings, and multi-day overnight camping in the field.
• Physical Demands: Hiking rugged terrain carrying up to 50 lbs of gear, operating watercraft, and performing heavy labor (electrofishing, netting, stream surveys).
• Equipment & Safety: Routine operation of 4WD vehicles, trailers, and boats while adhering to strict safety protocols around water and field gear.

Certifications/Licenses

• Drivers License
• Pesticide Applicator 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

• Competitive Benefits: Great medical and dental insurance coverage, plus state pension and 401(k)/457 retirement plans.
• Education & Leadership Growth: Access to Utah's Education Assistance Program (tuition support) and the Leadership Development Program for ongoing career advancement.
• Flexibility & Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), flexible scheduling, and hybrid remote work options for office duties.
• Unmatched Utah Outdoors: Live and work in an outdoor recreation hub with instant access to blue-ribbon fisheries, mountain ranges, and national parks.

For more information about the division or agency click on the links below:

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].