Conservation Coordinators

The State of Utah is seeking an Avian Conservation Coordinator to lead statewide efforts in bird conservation, focusing on preventing ESA listings and recovering threatened species. This role involves developing conservation plans, providing technical expertise, and fostering partnerships across diverse landscapes in Utah. Ideal candidates should possess strong knowledge of avian ecology and excellent communication skills. The position offers a supportive work environment and competitive benefits.
Job Title:
Avian Conservation Coordinator (Wildlife Coordinator) Job Description:
Help shape the future of Utah's birds—from sagebrush steppe to alpine peaks. This position leads statewide avian conservation efforts with a strong focus on preventing ESA listings and recovering threatened and endangered species. The coordinator guides strategy, partnerships, and on-the-ground actions to conserve bird species and habitats across Utah's diverse landscapes; develops and implements conservation plans; provides technical expertise in avian ecology and monitoring; and translates science into effective management. The ideal candidate pairs strong bird and habitat knowledge with the ability to coordinate people, ideas, and projects at a statewide scale. Success in the role depends as much on communication, collaboration, and judgment as it does on technical expertise in birds. This is a rare opportunity to make a lasting, statewide impact for birds through leadership, collaboration, and applied conservation. Why you should join our team: As the Avian Conservation Coordinator with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, you will join a respected, mission driven agency dedicated to conserving wildlife and the habitats that support it. You will work with a collaborative team of skilled biologists and conservation professionals who value science based management, partnership, and shared success. This role offers the opportunity to lead meaningful, statewide conservation work focused on proactive species management, recovery of threatened and endangered birds, and preventing future ESA listings. You will work across Utah's stunning and diverse landscapes while enjoying a supportive work environment that values work life balance, professional growth, and innovation. UDWR provides a competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, paid leave, flexible work options when appropriate, and opportunities for training and career development, allowing you to build a rewarding career while making a lasting impact for birds and people. View Utah State Benefits For more information about the department of division, please click the links below: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Utah Department of Natural Resources Lead the Terrestrial Wildlife Conservation Team in developing and implementing a strategic approach to recover and conserve Utah's bird species and identifying measures of success. Support Species Working Groups in development of outcome-based objectives for species recovery and conservation in collaboration with related programs and partners. Maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with state, federal, and NGO partners. Develop and prioritize of research, survey and inventory needs. Manage wildlife conservation related funding by developing grant proposals, coordinating proposal review and ranking, entering budgets, tracking expenditures and monitoring reporting requirements. Represent UDWR on regional and national teams to support landscape-scale collaboration towards the recovery and conservation of birds. Required/ Minimum Qualifications:
A Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, natural resources management, or a closely related field, or directly related work experience equivalent Five (5) years of professional experience in wildlife or bird conservation, habitat management, or applied ecological research Demonstrated knowledge of avian ecology and bird conservation principles Experience working with wildlife survey, monitoring, or assessment data Experience collaborating with internal staff and external partners, such as government agencies, NGOs, tribes, or landowners Ability to communicate technical information clearly through written reports and verbal presentations Preferred/Additional Qualifications:
A Master's degree or higher in wildlife biology, ecology, ornithology, or a related field Experience coordinating or leading statewide, regional, or multi-agency wildlife conservation initiatives Knowledge of state and federal wildlife laws and policies, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Endangered Species Act considerations, and State Wildlife Action Plans Experience with conservation planning, implementation, and effectiveness monitoring Familiarity with GIS, spatial data, population modeling, or statistical analysis as applied to wildlife conservation Experience securing or managing grants or conservation funding Ability to administer financial resources in a manner which instills public trust and accomplishes the Division's mission Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership without direct supervisory authority Experience representing an organization in regional or national conservation forums or working groups Working conditions: Risks found in a typical office setting, plus occasional outdoor work in variable weather conditions and terrain. There will be walking, standing, bending, carrying light items, and occasional lifting of items the weigh up to 50 pounds. Physical requirements:
Work requires physical exertion. Requires the ability to hike long distances over all types of terrain in remote locations, camp overnight, carrying equipment to conduct field work, lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time. Must be able to operate four wheel drive vehicles, all terrain vehicles (ATV's), small watercraft, snowmobiles, and tow camp and utility trailers. Miscellaneous:
This is a full-time, Monday-through-Friday position, which requires occasional work on weekends, evenings and during emergency situations. Overnight travel is required to attend meetings and conferences and to support wildlife management projects and events. Other requirements:
Must have or obtain and maintain a valid Utah driver's license. Work on weekends, holidays, and evenings as needed. Some telework options may be available with management approval.• Must be able to pass a background instigation appropriate for employees who will work with youth. •Please note, a position's eligibility for telework is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.