Seasonal Conservation Technician

POSITION SUMMARY:

Utah’s Hogle Zoo’s Conservation Department leads or participates in several field conservation programs in Utah. These programs involve such activities as ecological research and monitoring, habitat restoration, and community science. The Seasonal Conservation Technician will assist with the Zoo’s research and conservation initiatives for native Utah species and habitats, notably programs focused on the imperiled Western (boreal) toad and wildlife that occurs within the Wasatch Range. The Conservation Technician will conduct field surveys of western toads and other amphibians in Utah’s montane wetlands, use trail cameras and acoustic recorders to monitor wildlife within the Wasatch Front, and conduct vegetation and habitat assessments. In collaboration with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and other partners, these programs contribute to the management and recovery of native Utah wildlife. The Conservation Technician will also interact with Zoo guests, volunteers, and community scientists, and will help increase awareness about the Zoo’s conservation programs and impact, participate in and support conservation events and communications sponsored by the Zoo and its partners, and assist with other activities as needed.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo seeks employees who are passionate about conservation, approach their daily work with a can-do attitude, are resourceful, communicate respectfully with everyone, and are ready to support the Zoo’s mission of creating champions for wildlife by making connections between people and animals to inspire action.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.

SCHEDULE:

• Summer field period, starting May and ending Aug/Sept (specific start and end dates TBD).
• 32–40 hours/week (average 35–37 hours/week), including some weekends, holidays, evenings, and multi-day overnight trips.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

• Reports to the Director of Conservation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrate commitment to the Zoo’s mission and conservation efforts.
• Assist the Field Conservation Programs Coordinator with fieldwork preparation and implementation.
• Using established protocols, monitor amphibians and their habitats using visual encounter surveys, biometric measurements, water-quality measurements, and habitat assessments.
• Record and manage survey data using ArcGIS Survey123.
• Using established protocols, monitor mammals, bats, and birds using trail cameras and acoustic recorders, and conduct riparian and forest vegetation assessments.
• Manage, sort, and process images obtained from trail cameras.
• As needed, manage and process bat and bird recordings obtained from acoustic recorders.
• Help plan and organize fieldwork trips (both daily and multi-day outings).
• Help inventory and maintain field supplies and equipment, including camping gear, trail cameras,

and acoustic recorders.

• Assist with training and managing community scientists and student interns in the field.
• Interact with partner organizations (e.g., U.S. Forest Service, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and non-governmental organizations).
• Interact with Zoo guests and volunteers to communicate scientific and conservation messages and increase awareness of the Zoo’s conservation and sustainability programs and impact.
• As needed, contribute to other initiatives of the Conservation Department, including on-grounds conservation activities and off-site Jordan River Restoration events.
• As needed, contribute to community outreach by developing social media content.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Maintains strict confidentiality.

All Candidates Must Be Able To:

• Support and promote the Zoo’s mission to create Champions for Wildlife.
• Effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Apply critical thinking to analyze and solve problems.
• Manage stressful situations in a professional and calm manner.
• Meet deadlines.
• Work well in teams and independently.
• Work nights, weekends, and overtime, as needed.
• Operate AWD vehicles on unpaved roads.
• Ensure the safety of teams in the field.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Required

• Microsoft Office Suite.
• Basic geographical skills (e.g., interpretation of topographic maps and satellite imagery).
• Basic geospatial skills (e.g., use of handheld GPS for mapping and navigation).
• Basic understanding of trail cameras and acoustic recorders in wildlife research.
• Fundamental knowledge of natural history, ecology, and conservation fields.

Preferred

• Familiarity with, or expertise in, ArcGIS and ArcGIS Survey123.Familiarity with, or expertise in, wildlife-tracking technologies, such as trail cameras, acoustic recorders, and passive integrated transponders (PIT) tags.
• Familiarity with, or expertise in, wildlife data-analysis programs, such as Wildlife Insights, BirdNET Analyzer, Sonobat, and Kaleidoscope.
• Prior ecological field research with amphibians.
• Camping and wilderness survival skills.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, conservation biology, natural resources management, forestry, wildlife science, or related discipline.
• At least one season of wildlife- or habitat-related fieldwork.
• Some experience handling wildlife, ideally amphibians.
• Some experience supervising people in field settings.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in biology, ecology, conservation biology, natural resources management, forestry, wildlife science, or related discipline.
• Experience leading wildlife- or habitat-related research or conservation projects.
• Experience leading field projects and teams.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION:

• Utah’s Hogle Zoo is a drug-free workplace. All employees are subject to random drug testing.
• Provide a negative TB test prior to hire date and maintain TB testing through course of employment.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a truck on unmaintained roads.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The Conservation Technician will work both in the office and outdoor settings. Part of their duties involve overnight camping; backcountry navigation; high-elevation hiking; and extended periods of time spent walking/hiking outdoors, at times in inclement weather or on uneven terrain. Physical tasks typically do not involve muscular strain, but commonly include walking, standing, bending, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and seeing. Common eye, hand, and finger dexterity is required to perform essential functions. May need to lift as much as 40 lbs.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

A resume/CV and a cover letter must be uploaded and submitted with each application. Applications without one or both of these documents will not be considered. In your cover letter, please relate your background to the required and preferred skills and experience listed for this position.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Feb. 27, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. Hogle Zoo reserves the right to close this position before the deadline.