Job Title: Fish Research Biologist III (Wildlife Biologist III) Job Description: Are you a well-rounded fish biologist interested in an opportunity to work for Utah s fish research,health,native,and invasive species programs? Do you have quantitative training to carry out data analysis in nearly every aspect of fisheries science? If so,the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Aquatic Animal Health & Research Center (AAHRC) has the perfect job for you. This position will allow you to work both in the field and in the laboratory while making a substantial contribution to the management and conservation of fish species in the intermountain west. The salary offered for this position will be between $23.77 - $37.67 per hour for new employees. For current state employees,DHRM Rules and agency/division policy will determine the starting salary. Principal Duties: 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.
• Biometrician responsibilities: 
  • Use statistics and applied mathematics to advise UDWR programs about health and life science issues.
  • Work directly with Aquatic Section staff to design regional and statewide research projects using an applied approach to fisheries management.   
  • Analyze data from a variety of UDWR Aquatic Section programs and provide consultation and training for regional biologists.
  • Use appropriate frequentist,Bayesian,multivariate,and modeling methods to visualize data and make management recommendations.
• 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. Training will be provided for fish health tasks.
• Native Species responsibilities:
  • Develop and carry out literature reviews and participate in research projects associated with native species and populations. Develop efficient aquaculture methods for native species. Fish health inspections on native species in hatcheries and field sites.
• Aquatic Invasive Species duties:
  • Conduct literature reviews and participate in research on gener al AIS issues of concern including the applicability of eDNA in AIS inspection work in hatcheries,and protocol development for field sampling and laboratory analysis.

The Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate will possess

• 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 or directly related work experience equivalent. Preference will be given to applicants with an M.S. and experience in quantitative methods,AIS/native species biology,and aquatic research.
• Knowledge of experimental design,statistical/data analysis and interpretation.
• Knowledge of fisheries management and associated field responsibilities.
• Knowledge of fish culture,hatchery management and bio-security practices.
• Knowledge and experience with laboratory techniques and safety practices.

Preference will be given to candidates with a bachelor s degree in a natural resources field.  Additional preference will be given to candidates with a master's degree in a wildlife-related natural resources field or other applicable fields that benefit the position. Preference for years of demonstrated successful full-time work experience will vary based upon the specific position. **Why you should join our team: This is an exciting opportunity to apply your education,work experience,and skills as part of a dedicated team at the 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 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.   Below is a summary of the benefits offered to state employees:

Health Insurance - Public Employee Health Program (PEHP):

• 3 medical plan options. Choose a Traditional or High Deductible Health Plan.
• There is an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those who have other medical insurance coverage.
• 5 dental plan options,with an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those that have other dental insurance coverage.
• 4 vision plan options under EyeMed or OptiCare

Retirement - Utah Retirement Systems (URS):

• Employees who have any service credit with an employer covered by the Utah Retirement Systems before 7/1/2011 are in the Tier I Public Employees System.
• Employees hired on or after 7/1/2011 and who have never been in the URS retirement system have two options for retirement in the Tier II System.

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``` - Tier 2 Hybrid Retirement System. Employer contributes an amount equal to   10% of your salary between both plans (pension and 401(k)) - Tier 2 Defined Contribution Plan. Employer contributes an amount equal to 10% of your salary to a 401(k) plan only.  

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``` - Employer contributions to your 401(k) are v ested after four years.

Paid Time Off:

• Annual leave and sick leave are accrued at 4 hours per pay period each (4 hours annual,4 hours sick).
• Annual leave amounts increase with years of service.
• We have 12 paid holidays.

The Agency *Click here for more information about the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. *