Job Description:
The UDWR Moab Field Station is looking for a native aquatics biologists (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 a strong desire to spend a long field season (March-October) on multi-day river trips in remote canyons of the Desert Southwest.
Preference will be given to candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a natural resources field. Additional preference will be given to candidates with a master’s degree in a wildlife-related natural resources field or other applicable field that is beneficial for the position. Preference for years of demonstrated successful full-time work experience will vary based upon the specific position.
Principle Duties:
As a native aquatics biologist, you will:
Serve 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 fish of the Upper Colorado River Basin.
Analyze data to answer research question, model population trends, and support management decisions.
Report and present and present findings in formal and informal settings, in written and verbal forms.
Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain boating, sampling, and camping gear.
Treat coworkers and the public with dignity, equity, empathy, and respect.
The Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate will have:
exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
skills, experience, and personality traits that contribute and augment to a kind and respectful work environment.
experience electrofishing, netting, trapping, identifying desert southwest native fishes, handling, measuring, and PIT tagging fish.
experience navigating rafts and motorized boats on large river systems and Class IV whitewater.
experience collecting and recording data and analyzing, writing, and presenting data.
experience supervising teams in remote, inclement, and highly variable settings.
Why you should join our team:
The Native Aquatics Program with the Division of Wildlife Resources in Southeastern Utah, provides an excellent opportunity to participate in native species conservation in remote canyon reaches of the Green, Colorado, and San Juan Rivers. Come join a skilled, respectful, enthusiastic, committed team of biologists and technicians. This job provides
opportunity for career advancement through job experience, trainings, and/or education
assistance programs. We work with a wide variety of project objectives, project locations, species, sampling methods, and data analysis techniques. This position is based out of Moab, a hub of outdoor recreation, a diverse and vibrant community, and endless backcountry to explore on your days off. Additionally, the State of Utah offers a generous leave and benefits package. Click here for more information.
Typical Qualifications
Requirements:
exceptional verbal and written communication skills
skills, experience, and personality traits that contribute to and augment a kind, inclusive, and respectful work environment
experience electrofishing, netting, trapping, identifying desert southwest native fishes, handling, measuring, and PIT tagging fish
experience navigating rafts and motorized boats
operation of oar-rigged rafts in whitewater
operation of hard-bottomed boats powered by outboard motors
raft and boat-mounted electrofishing
netting and trapping fish
fish identification, handing, measuring, and PIT tagging
gear maintenance and repair
trailer towing
experience collecting and recording data
respectful and clear communication (oral and written)
experience supervising teams in remote, inclement, and highly variable settings
ability to work well with others as part of a team.
Preference:
navigation of class IV whitewater in inflatable rafts
swiftwater rescue training, wilderness medical training
prop and jet-propelled outboard motor boat operation on large, shallow, braided rivers
motor repair and maintenance, maintenance and repair of rafting, camping and sampling gear
experiencing working with endangered species
experience working with native fish in the Upper Colorado River Basin
experience with ETS electrofishers mounted to rafts and jon-boats, hoop nets, trammel nets, larval light traps, and seines
digital data recording with hand-held data loggers;
data management/QAQC
data analysis
technical scientific writing;
research presentation
experience supervising large teams
DEI, emotional intelligence, and workplace respect trainings
Bachelors degree in fisheries, natural sciences, conservation, or related field
Supplemental Information
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 over rough surfaces, bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, and lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 pounds) in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.
Must be able to row heavy rafts, navigate class II – IV whitewater and/or operate motorized jon boats in shallow, riverine conditions
Must be able to lift 50+ lbs, work on unstable surfaces, work long hours in rugged 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 and team-oriented attitude that contributes positively to group morale.
Must have a strong desire to be part of a team.
Certifications/Licenses required at time of hire or must obtain during probationary period or designated timeframe:
Wilderness Medical Training (WAFA,WFR, or WEMT)- (to be completed within 1 year of 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.
Miscellaneous:
Overnight field work in remote river locations for extended periods (up to 10 days at a time, 80 days a year).
Schedule is highly variable during field season (March-October).
Affordable housing in Moab is difficult to find and while we hope to be able to assist with this financial burden in the future, there is currently no housing or housing stipend or COLA provided.
