Wildlife Biologist I (Aquatics)

Job Title: Wildlife Biologist I (Aquatics)

Company: State of Utah

About the Role

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) Aquatic Section is seeking a highly motivated Aquatic Research Biologist I to support applied research projects statewide. This role involves working independently and collaboratively within fish health and research teams, advising on aquatic science, conducting literature reviews, evaluating methods and equipment, and deploying solutions in the field.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct field collections using diverse methods such as angling, backpack and boat electrofishing, gill nets, plankton tows, and Schindler traps.
• Perform limnology and habitat surveys.
• Undertake data entry, quality assurance/quality control.
• Prepare and age otoliths.
• Prepare stable isotopes.
• Conduct eDNA sampling and collaboration.
• Perform literature reviews.
• Write reports and peer-reviewed publications.
• Assist with fish health inspections at various sites statewide.
• Perform necropsies and prepare specimens for laboratory analysis.
• Analyze laboratory samples, collect tissue, and transport biological samples.
• Maintain quality control parameters.
• Prepare media, reagents, and stain slides.
• Work with potentially hazardous materials.
• Develop and carry out literature reviews for native species research projects.
• Participate in research projects associated with native species and populations.
• Conduct fish health inspections on native species in hatcheries and field sites.
• Fabricate incubation and rearing systems.
• Carry out daily fish rearing and propagation tasks.
• Support applied research projects statewide.
• Advise on all aspects of aquatic science.
• Evaluate novel methods and equipment.
• Rapidly deploy solutions in the field.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Laboratory and Molecular Biology: Hands-on experience with cell culture, DNA extraction, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) workflows.
• Research and Design: Solid understanding of experimental design and conducting comprehensive literature reviews.
• Field and Aquaculture Operations: Experience with field collections, parasite identification, and aquaculture design (specifically incubation and rearing habitats).
• Communication: Strong scientific writing skills with the ability to summarize complex data.
• Computer Proficiency: Experience using MS Word, Excel, and R.
• Research: Ability to conduct applied and basic research.
• Field Work: Ability to perform field work and collect samples for various purposes.
• Teamwork: Ability to work both independently and as a team participant.
• Collaboration: Communicate with AAHRC and regional personnel to identify program needs, develop projects, design experiments, analyze and interpret data, formulate technical reports, and provide oral presentations.
• Professional Development: Participate as an American Fisheries Society member. Arrange and participate in agency or professional meetings.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s or higher degree in Natural Resources, Fish Health, Fisheries Biology, Microbiology, Wildlife Sciences, biological sciences or a directly related field of study.
• General coursework in microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry, zoology, and fisheries management, or directly related work experience equivalent.
• Knowledge of general microbiological methods.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule that may include working extended days and some weekends.
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to work well with others.
• Must be able to travel (including overnight trips).
• Must be able to camp on occasion.
• Must be able to operate four-wheel drive vehicles.
• Must be able to tow trailers.
• Must be able to operate boats.
• Must be able to handle and/or dispose of hazardous materials.
• Must be able to work with laboratory chemicals.
• Must be able to use strong cleaning agents.
• Must have (or obtain) a valid Utah driver’s license.
• Must be able to work in extreme and adverse weather conditions (heat, wind, snow, ice, rain, etc.).
• Must be able to work long hours in hip or chest waders.
• Must be able to work in cold water, on slippery surfaces and confined areas.
• Must be able to work alone.
• Must be able to work on rotating weekends.
• Ability to stand, walk over rough surfaces, bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, and lift a minimum of 50 lbs. in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master of Science (MS) in Biology, Zoology, Natural Resources, or a closely related field; or directly related work experience equivalent.
• Completion of a graduate thesis project that includes a full, independent research component.
• Direct experience managing research projects.
• Direct experience publishing peer-reviewed scientific articles.
• Direct experience culturing native aquatic species for conservation purposes.

Work Environment & Conditions

• Risks requiring the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment (e.g., working in laboratory and field conditions, hazardous chemicals).
• Work requires physical exertion.
• Work will be performed in various environments including standard office conditions to working outdoors in extreme weather conditions.

Location

• 1465 West 200 North Logan, Utah, 84321 United States

Supplemental Information

• Candidates must reside within the state of Utah.
• Work Schedule: Mon-Thurs: 7am-5pm. Weekend work required.
• Recruiter: Karen Weir | [email protected]
• Application Deadline: 11/3/2026 (Note: This 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.)