Opening date: Dec. 29, 2025
Closing date: Jan. 14, 2026
Salary: $15.92 per hour
Location: Cedar City, Utah
Time frame: March 23–Oct. 9, 2026
Positions available: 3
Housing: Not provided
The Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife Resources, has three (3) nonbenefitted Utah prairie dog technician positions available in Cedar City, Utah. This appointment will run from March 23 to Oct. 9, 2026. Housing is not provided.
Utah prairie dogs are listed as federally threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The species has a history of conflict with humans, particularly in urban and agricultural settings. The Division of Wildlife Resources works to help manage and recover the species.
Successful applicants will conduct field operations in support of the Range-wide General Conservation Plan for Utah Prairie Dogs and the Utah Prairie Dog Recovery Plan in southwest Utah.
Vehicles, uniform shirts and other equipment needed to accomplish required tasks will be provided.
Job duties
- Counting Utah prairie dogs via binoculars and scopes
- Mapping active areas of Utah prairie dog colonies via the ArcGIS Field Maps application
- Trapping, collecting biological data (e.g., sex, weight), ear tagging, handling and translocation of Utah prairie dogs
- Recording data for Utah prairie dog counts, trapping, translocation, and monitoring via ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123, and paper data sheets
- Applying Deltamethrin insecticidal dust to Utah prairie dog burrows
- Performing development surveys for the presence/absence and burrow locations of Utah prairie dogs
- Set up cellular trail cameras at translocation sites and monitor trail camera photos
- Potentially assisting with anesthetizing Utah prairie dogs and swabbing Utah prairie dog burrows for a sylvatic plague study
- Other miscellaneous tasks benefitting the Utah prairie dog program
- Assisting with other wildlife work (limited opportunities)
Considerations
- Weather conditions vary greatly, from cold (20° F) to hot (105° F) temperatures, with heavy rain and recurring afternoon thunderstorms during the summer
- Work schedules are usually 40 hours per week, but may be 45 to 50 hours per week for some of the season
- A few weeks will be in remote locations with minimal cell service on rough dirt roads
- Technicians will be based out of Cedar City, except for when staying at field housing Monday to Friday during the spring (four weeks in May) and summer (two weeks in June, one to two weeks in July)
- Groceries are provided while staying in field housing
- No weekend stays in field housing are required or possible
- Technicians work Monday to Friday, unless there are extenuating circumstances
- Technicians will be working in the field at least 95% of the time, with limited office tasks
Job requirements and skills
- Field work
- Competence with navigating and orienteering
- Fortitude to work long hours in hot and dry weather conditions with a positive attitude
- Flexibility to work early mornings (often starting at 6 a.m.) and long days (often up to 12 hours)
- Willingness to hike moderately difficult terrain in remote locations with minimal cell service
- Ability to carry up to 40 lbs. for short distances over uneven terrain
- Resourcefulness when working alone in remote locations unsupervised (e.g., changing a truck tire if flat)
- Data collection
- Proficiency in data collection and data entry
- Capacity to use an iPad to accurately record data in ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123
- Ability to use OnX and Moultrie apps on a personal phone (subscriptions will be paid for by the Division)
- Work capacity
- Ability to follow protocols and instructions
- Ability to work both independently and in a team
- Strong communication skills
- Miscellaneous
- Capacity to work with peanut-based baits
- A valid driver’s license
- Ability to stay in field housing (Monday to Friday only, not weekends) for four weeks in May, two weeks in June and one to two weeks in July
Preferred additional qualifications
- B.S. in wildlife biology or related field
- Experience working with wildlife, particularly field work
- Experience with small mammal surveying and trapping
- Experience using binoculars and scopes
- Familiarity with iPads, ArcGIS Field Maps, the Survey123 app, OnX apps, Moultrie apps and handheld GPS units
- Capacity to handle contentious situations with the public
- Proficiency with four-wheel drive vehicles
Applications
Interested applicants should email a resume, cover letter and at least three (3) references as a single PDF document to Barbara Sugarman at [email protected]. Please put “Utah Prairie Dog Spring Count Technician Application” in the subject of the email.
If you have any questions about the position, please email, call or text Barbara at 435-691-2401.
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.