The Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife Resources, is seeking to fill multiple seasonal positions (no benefits) for Lead Technicians (Tech II) and Crew Members (Tech I) at the Moab Field Station in Moab, Utah for the 2025 field season (April-November). This position is an excellent opportunity to work on a team committed to recovering and researching fascinating native fish species while rafting 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; and monitoring humpback chub using trammel and hoop nets in Cataract Canyon. Housing is not provided although food/per diem and boating/camping gear are supplied during fieldwork.

Job Duties

The UDWR Moab Field Station conducts various field projects tasked at researching, monitoring, and managing native and endangered fishes on the Green, Colorado, and San Juan Rivers and Lake Powell. These positions will support field efforts using fisheries sampling 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, motor boats and become proficient with all collection techniques, fish identification and tagging. Technicians are also responsible for trip preparation and clean up, menu planning, camp cooking, maintenance and repair of equipment, and participation in public outreach activities. Lead Technicians (Tech IIs) will often perform as the lead operator on whitewater rafts and motor boats and must be proficient with 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 weather 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 includes 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 swiftwater rescue certification.

Tech II: In addition to the above qualifications, Lead Technicians must demonstrate a proficiency with fisheries fieldwork, specifically accurate data collection, desert fish identification and handling, PIT tagging, 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 possessing familiarity with Moab Field Station sampling species, reaches, projects, equipment, and protocols. Additional preference may 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 for a Tech II position if their resume clearly demonstrates these qualifications.