Wildlife Biologist I (Aquatics)

AQUATICS WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST I

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.
Salary – $22.17 - $28.16 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Recruiter – Karen Weir | kweir@utah.gov |
Application Deadline – 11/3/2026*

*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
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) Aquatic Section is seeking a highly motivated, well-educated Aquatic Research Biologist I to join our team. This role supports applied research projects statewide, working both independently and collaboratively within the fish health and research teams.

Our scientists are industry leaders in problem-solving and program efficiency. In this role, you will advise on all aspects of aquatic science, conduct literature reviews, evaluate novel methods and equipment, and rapidly deploy solutions in the field. We pride ourselves on innovation—trying what hasn't been tried and continuously learning to support statewide aquatics priorities.

Key Responsibilities

To be successful in this role, candidates must demonstrate proficiency or experience in the following technical areas:

• 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.

This position will offer a wide variety of experiences in the natural resource field that include working with Utah Division of Wildlife Resources fisheries research, fish health, native species, and aquatic invasive species programs. The selected candidate will carry out field collections, laboratory-based projects, literature reviews, and a variety of consultation or training tasks. As scientists working for the State of Utah, we are commonly tasked with jobs we have never done before. A successful candidate will be able to adapt, learn, and implement methods they were previously unfamiliar with. Duties will be variable and may include but are not limited to:

• Fisheries Research: 
  Fish and invertebrate surveys using diverse methods (angling, backpack and boat electrofishing, gill nets, plankton tows, schindler trap, etc.), limnology and habitat surveys, data entry and QA/QC, otolith preparation and aging, stable isotope preparation, eDNA sampling & collaboration, literature review, and writing reports & peer reviewed publications. Successful applicants will take on tasks they have never done before. Learning on the job is expected.
• Fish Health responsibilities:
  Travel to various sites around the State to assist with fish health inspections, perform necropsies, prepare specimens for laboratory analysis, analyze laboratory samples, collect tissue, and transport biological samples, maintain quality control parameters, prepare media and reagents, prepare and stain slides and work with potentially hazardous materials.
• Native Species responsibilities:
  Develop and carry out literature reviews and participate in research projects associated with native species and populations. Fish health inspections on native species in hatcheries and field sites. Fabricate incubation and rearing systems and carry out daily fish rearing and propagation tasks.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum/Required Qualifications
This includes knowledge, skills and abilities required upon entry into the position:

• 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
  with general coursework in microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry, zoology, and
  fisheries management, or directly related work experience equivalent.
• Knowledge of general microbiological methods.
• Computer proficiency, experience using MS Word, Excel, and R.
• Conduct applied and basic research.
• Ability to perform field work and collect samples for various purposes.
• Strong communication and writing skills.
• Perform field and laboratory experiments as well as extension work to address statewide
  needs and objectives.
• Work both independently and as a team participant to address statewide research
  requirements.
• 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 during UDWR and other professional meetings.
• Participate as an American Fisheries Society member.
• Arrange and participate in agency or professional meetings.

Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidate will closely match the following academic and professional benchmarks:

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

About the Role
Location –
1465 West 200 North
Logan, Utah, 84321
United States
Background Check Required – No
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – TL - Time limited

Supplemental Information: Candidates must reside within the state of Utah
Work Schedule - Mon-Thurs: 7am-5pm. Weekend work required
Work environment, working conditions, physical requirements -

• Risks which require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment, e.g., working in laboratory and field conditions, hazardous chemicals, etc. 
• Work requires physical exertion. 
• Work will be performed in various environments including standard office conditions to working outdoors in extreme weather conditions.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule that may include working extended days and some weekends.
• Applicants must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, work well with others, travel (including overnight trips), camp on occasion, operate four-wheel drive vehicles, tow trailers, operate boats, handle and/or dispose of hazardous materials, work with laboratory chemicals, use of strong cleaning agents, and have (or obtain) a valid Utah driver’s license. 
• Incumbent must be able to work in extreme and adverse weather conditions (heat, wind, snow, ice, rain, etc.), work long hours in hip or chest waders, work in cold water, on slippery surfaces and confined areas, work alone, 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.
  

Certifications/Licenses - Valid Utah Driver's 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
This is an exciting opportunity to apply your education, work experience and skills as part of a dedicated team at the Animal Aquatic Health and Research Center (AAHRC). The AAHRC is responsible for fisheries research, fish health management and disease control, training, and specialized fish culture methods. This job will allow you to work both in the field and in the laboratory. Additionally, the State of Utah offers great benefits and generous paid time off so you can spend more time with your family and have a positive work/life balance. 
Division of Wildlife Resources
Utah Department of Natural 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.