Native Fisheries Technician (Wildlife Technician I/II)

Native Fisheries Technician (Wildlife Technician I/II)

Opening date: Jan. 7, 2025
Closing date: Jan. 22, 2025 (if selected, interviews will be conducted Feb. 5 and 6)
Salary: Wildlife Technician I ($15.58–$21.51), Wildlife Technician II ($17.11–$24.00)
Location: Moab Field Station, 1165 S. Hwy 191 Suite #4, Moab, UT 84532
Start/end dates: April–November 2025 (not to exceed 1,560 hours)
Positions available: Multiple
Housing: Not provided

The Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife Resources, is seeking to fill multiple seasonal positions (no benefits) for lead technicians (wildlife technician II) and crew members (wildlife technician I) at the Moab Field Station in Moab, Utah, for the 2025 field season. This position is an excellent opportunity to work on a team committed to researching and recovering fascinating native fish species, while rafting in some of the most beautiful river canyons the Desert Southwest has to offer.

A few of our anticipated 2025 projects include:

• Demographic monitoring and translocation of Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker on the San Juan River
• Raft-mounted electrofishing for walleye and smallmouth bass removal on the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument and Desolation Canyon
• Seining and light trapping for juvenile fish on the Green and Colorado Rivers in Canyonlands National Park and in Lake Powell
• Monitoring humpback chub using trammel and hoop nets in Cataract Canyon.

Housing is not provided, although food/per diem and boating and camping gear are supplied during fieldwork.

Job duties

The Moab Field Station conducts various field projects tasked with researching, monitoring and managing native and endangered fishes on the Green, Colorado and San Juan Rivers and Lake Powell. This position will support field efforts using fisheries sampling recovery gear, such as raft and jon boat electrofishing, seines, trammel nets, hoop nets, larval light traps and submersible PIT antennas. Technicians will be expected to row rafts and motorboats and become proficient with all collection techniques, fish identification and tagging. Technicians are also responsible for trip preparation and cleanup, menu planning, camp cooking, maintenance and repair of equipment and participation in public outreach activities.

Lead technicians (tech IIs) will often serve as the lead operators on whitewater rafts and motorboats. They must be proficient in boat navigation, sampling protocols and techniques, data collection, fish identification and PIT tagging. Lead technicians may also be assigned specialized duties such as warehouse management, outboard motor maintenance, trip leading, project planning and preparation, data entry and reporting, and assisting with crew orientation and training.

Job requirements and skills

This is an outdoor, field-based position. Applicants must be willing to work a highly variable schedule under harsh and adverse conditions. Applicants must be capable of performing physically demanding tasks and working outdoors in very hot, cold and/or inclement weather. Field trips range from three to ten days in length in remote river canyons, often with little to no cell service and no ability to return home at night. Applicants must be agreeable to mechanical removal of nonnative fish. Applicants are required to be over 18 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license and provide proof of citizenship.

Tech I: Desired experience include experience and proficiency with scientific data collection, whitewater rafting, motorized boat operation, mechanical aptitude, boat-mounted electrofishing, fish netting and seining, fish identification, fish handling and tagging, attention to detail, and respectful communication skills. Preference will be given to applicants possessing a degree in the natural sciences, wilderness medical certification and/or swift water rescue certification.

Tech II: In addition to the above qualifications, lead technicians must demonstrate proficiency in fisheries fieldwork, specifically in accurate data collection, desert fish identification, and handling, PIT tagging, the ability to follow complex sampling protocols, strong verbal and written communication skills and experience working as a member of a large team in adverse field conditions. Additional desired skills include whitewater rowing (up to class IV), maintenance of outboard motors, and leadership experience. Preference may be given to applicants familiar with Moab Field Station sampling species, reaches, projects, equipment and protocols. Additional preference may be given to applicants possessing a degree in natural sciences, wilderness medical certification and/or swift water rescue certification. Applicants will only be considered for a tech II position if their resume clearly demonstrates these qualifications.

Applications

Email a resume and cover letter to katherinecreighton@utah.gov by midnight on Jan. 22. Please indicate if you are available for the full season (April–November), and if not, what your availability is. Please also state if you would like to be considered for the tech I position only, tech II position only, or both.

For more information or questions: Contact Katie Creighton (Native Aquatics Project Leader) at katherinecreighton@utah.gov or 435-259-3780.

DNR complies with the ADA. Hearing-impaired employees who wish further information regarding this announcement may call the DNR TTY number at 801-538-7458. Disabled employees who desire reasonable accommodation in the interview process should contact the DNR Human Resources Office at 385-315-2834.

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