Regional Aquatic Program Manager

REGIONAL AQUATICS PROGRAM MANAGER

FT / PT Status Full-Time
Benefits EligibilityThis position is eligible for a full benefits package.
Salary $27.34 - $43.36 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office Hybrid

Recruiter Karen Weir
Application Deadline 10/25/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Job Description
Position Overview & Day-to-Day Impact
Lead the team that protects conserves and enhances Southern Utahs aquatic ecosystems and world-class fisheries. As the Regional Aquatics Program Manager you will oversee regional fisheries management native species conservation and coordinate on issues like habitat restoration and aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention. Your work directly balances ecological preservation with high-quality angling opportunities across the region.

Team Culture & Key Collaborators
Join a collaborative science-driven culture dedicated to wildlife conservation team mentorship and public service. You will direct a team of regional aquatic biologists while collaborating closely with key partners:

Regional Leadership
Work alongside the Regional Supervisor Habitat Manager Terrestrial Wildlife Manager and Wildlife Conservation Officers.

Statewide Leadership
Partner with the Chief of Aquatics Statewide Coordinators and Hatchery Managers to align local strategies with state goals.

External Partners
Engage with federal agencies (USFS BLM USFWS) water districts local angling groups and private landowners.

Key Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

• Program Leadership: Direct regional sportfish and native aquatic species.
• Team & Budget Management: Supervise train and mentor staff while managing regional budgets and state/federal grants.
• Science & Regulation: Oversee population monitoring scientific research and data analysis to inform management fishing regulations and develop implement and adhere to management plans.
• Public Engagement: Represent the DWR at Regional Advisory Council (RAC) meetings and engage with key stakeholders.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Degree in Fisheries Biology Aquatic Ecology Wildlife Management or a related natural resources field or equivalent experience.

Preferred or trainable/on-the-job qualifications

Preference may be given to applicants with the following knowledge skills and experience:

• Proven supervisory and program management experience.
• Masters degree in Fisheries Science or related field
• Certifications: Certified Fisheries Professional (AFS).
• Western Aquatics & AIS Expertise: Knowledge of Utah native species (e.g. Cutthroat trout lineages) and quagga/zebra mussel containment strategies.
• Habitat & Water Knowledge: Experience with stream/lake restoration techniques and basic familiarity with Western water law/instream flows.
• Data & Software Skills: Proficiency in ArcGIS fisheries analysis tools (R FAST MARK) and Federal Aid (DJ) or WRI grant administration.
• Public & Partner Relations: Experience presenting to public groups/boards (e.g. RACs public committees) and leading multi-agency projects (USFS BLM USFWS water districts).

About the Role
Location
1470 N Airport Rd
Cedar City Utah 84720
United States
Background Check Required No
Drug Test Required No
Schedule Code AX - Employees in supervisory positions
Work Schedule - Mon - Fri 8 hours/day 40 hours/week
Work environment working conditions physical requirements -

• Field & Weather: Outdoor work in remote lakes streams and backcountry sites requiring adaptability to severe weather (extreme heat freezing cold snow).
• Travel & Schedule: Mix of office and field work. Field work will require regional travel with long days early mornings and multi-day overnight camping in the field.
• Physical Demands: Hiking rugged terrain carrying up to 50 lbs of gear operating watercraft and performing heavy labor (electrofishing netting stream surveys).
• Equipment & Safety: Routine operation of 4WD vehicles trailers and boats while adhering to strict safety protocols around water and field gear.

Certifications/Licenses -

• Drivers License
• Pesticide Applicator License

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah we believe hard work is important but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation strong work ethics and mutual support.

The Agency

• Competitive Benefits: Great medical and dental insurance coverage plus state pension and 401(k)/457 retirement plans.
• Education & Leadership Growth: Access to Utahs Education Assistance Program (tuition support) and the Leadership Development Program for ongoing career advancement.
• Flexibility & Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave (vacation sick holidays) flexible scheduling and hybrid remote work options for office duties.
• Unmatched Utah Outdoors: Live and work in an outdoor recreation hub with instant access to blue-ribbon fisheries mountain ranges and national parks.

For more information about the division or agency click on the links below:

Utah Department of Natural Resources
Division of Wildlife Resources

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race color ancestry religion sex national origin sexual orientation age citizenship marital status disability gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations please contact .

Required Experience:

IC