Regional Aquatic Program Manager

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 | kweir@utah.gov |
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 

Preference may be given to applicants with the following knowledge, skills and experience:

• 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
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, 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 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 (801) 957-9390.