Native Fisheries Technician (Wildlife Technician I/II)
Opening date: Jan. 2, 2024
Closing date: Jan. 22, 2024
Salary: Wildlife Technician I ($15.18–$20.88), Wildlife Technician II ($16.67–$23.30)
Location: Moab Field Station, 1165 S. Hwy 191 Suite #4, Moab, UT 84532
Start/end dates: April 15–Nov. 1, 2024 (full season), April 17–June 12, 2024 (part time)
Positions available: multiple
Housing: Not provided
The Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife Resources, is seeking to fill multiple seasonal crewmember positions (no benefits) at the Moab Field Station in Moab, Utah. Full-season appointments will last from April 15–Nov. 1, 2024 (not to exceed 1,560 hours). Part-time appointments will last from April 15–June 14, 2024, with the potential of extending the end date, depending on project needs. Housing is not provided, although food, tents, sleeping pads, dry bags, PFDs and camping gear are supplied during overnight fieldwork. This position is an excellent opportunity to work on a team committed to recovering fascinating native fish species, while rafting in some of the most beautiful canyon reaches the Desert Southwest has to offer.
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 assist with all field efforts, including collecting field data on native and nonnative fish populations using raft and jon boat electrofishing, seines, trammel nets, hoop nets, larval light traps and submersible PIT antennas. Technicians will be expected to row rafts, operate motor boats and become proficient with all collection techniques, fish identification and tagging. Crew members are also responsible for trip preparation and clean-up, camp cooking, maintenance and repair of equipment, data entry and participation in public outreach activities.
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.
Desired qualifications include experience and proficiency with scientific data collection, whitewater rafting, motorized boat operation and maintenance, boat-mounted electrofishing, fish netting and seining, fish identification and handling, PIT tagging, backcountry or whitewater safety training, attention to detail and mechanical aptitude, and respectful communication skills. Preference will be given to applicants possessing a degree in the natural sciences, wilderness medical certification and/or swiftwater rescue certification. An applicant will only be considered if their resume clearly demonstrates these qualifications.
Wildlife Technician II positions are typically reserved for returning technicians who have learned and demonstrated advanced skills, competency and familiarity with Moab Field Station sampling reaches, equipment and protocols. New applicants will only be considered for Technician II positions if their resume demonstrates advanced proficiency with fish identification, handling, sampling, tagging, data collection, whitewater rowing, motoring and general equipment maintenance specific or closely related to the work performed at the Moab Field Station.
Applications
Resumes and cover letters may be emailed to katherinecreighton@utah.gov. Please indicate if you are interested in applying for a full-season or part-time position. Please state if you are only interested in applying for the Technician II position; otherwise you will be considered for both, depending upon experience.
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.
People and culture expectation
The successful applicant(s) will be expected to uphold the Division’s values of integrity, professionalism, accountability, teamwork and cooperation. The behaviors they embrace should set an example of professional and personal respect. Seasonal employees are expected to actively promote a workplace free of discrimination and harassment, as well as make good faith efforts to understand people as unique individuals with diverse life experiences, challenges and opportunities.