Wilderness Rescue Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Native Aquatics Biologist
Moab Field Office
FT / PT Status - Full-Time
Salary - $22.51 - $28.56 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office - In-Office / On-SiteRecruiter - Karen Weir kweir@utah.gov 8015387425
Application Deadline - 6/11/2026
Key Responsibilities
Job Description:The UDWR Moab Field Station is looking for a native aquatics biologist II (Wildlife Biologist II) to join our team.
Incumbent 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.
Key responsibilities and day to day responsibilities of this position:
As a native aquatics biologist, you will:

• 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.

Qualifications
Required/Minimum Qualifications:

• 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

Preferred/Additional Qualifications:

• 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

About the RoleLocation -
1165 So Hwy 191
Moab, Utah, 84532
United States
Background Check Required - No
Drug Test Required - No
Schedule Code - TL - Time limited
Working Conditions:

• Risks which require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment,e.g., working around operation machines, working with contagious diseases or hazardous chemicals, etc.
• Work requires physical exertion. May require the ability to stand, walk overrough surfaces, bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, and lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 pounds) in arecurring manner and/or for long periods of time.

Certifications/Licenses - required at time of hire or must obtain during probationaryperiod or designated timeframe:

• Wilderness Medical Training (WAFA,WFR, or WEMT)- (to be completed within 1 yearof hire)
• Swiftwater Rescue Training- (to be completed within 1 year of hire)

Other requirements:

• 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 operatemotorized jon boats in shallow, riverine conditions.
• Must be able to lift 50+ lbs., work on unstable surfaces, work long hours inrugged 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 tripsin remote locations.
• Must have a strong desire to be part of a team.

Miscellneous:

• Overnight field work in remote river locations for extended periods (up to 10days at a time, 80 days a year).
• Schedule is highly variable during field season (March-October).
• Some remote work may be allowed.*

Why You Should Join Our TeamIn 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, click here. 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 AgencyThe Native Aquatics Program at the Utah Divisionof Wildlife Resources Moab Field Station provides an excellent opportunity toparticipate in native species conservation, research, and management in remotecanyon reaches of the Green, Colorado, and San Juan Rivers. The work has a widevariety of project objectives, project locations, species, sampling methods, anddata analysis techniques. Come join a skilled, respectful, inclusive,enthusiastic, and committed team of biologists and technicians. This positionis based out of Moab where you can enjoy a vibrant community, natural beauty,and endless backcountry after work, on your days off, and during a flexibleoff-season. This job provides opportunity for career advancement through jobexperience, training, salary improvement plans, and/or education assistance programs.
For more information about the department ofdivision, please click the links below:
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Utah Department of Natural Resources
EEO StatementThe 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 (801) 957-9390.