HABITAT PROGRAM MANAGER - CENTRAL REGION OFFICE

FT / PT Status – Full-Time

Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.

Salary – $26.67 - $42.30 Hourly Wage

Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Recruiter – Karen Weir | kweir@utah.gov

Application Deadline – 11/5/2026*

*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

The Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is seeking an experienced Regional Habitat Program Manager to direct habitat conservation and land management initiatives. This position oversees the management of over 100,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and agency-held conservation easements. The Manager supervises regional habitat staff, administers program budgets and contracts, and leads ecological restoration projects across state, federal, and private lands. Additionally, this role oversees biological surveys, maintains water guzzler programs, and serves on the regional leadership team to guide agency strategy and stakeholder partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Supervise, mentor, and evaluate regional habitat staff; manage hiring, task delegation, performance reviews, and professional development.
• Land & Resource Management: Oversee regional WMAs, conservation easements, and water guzzler maintenance; lead multi-jurisdictional habitat restoration projects.
• Interagency Collaboration: Coordinate with state and federal agencies, non-profits, livestock operators, and landowners to execute the Watershed Restoration Initiative.
• Program Administration: Develop annual regional work plans, manage section budgets, draft cooperative agreements, and review external agency actions affecting local wildlife.
• Research & Public Relations: Initiate biological surveys to monitor species populations and habitats, and represent the agency at public and interagency meetings.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management, Wildlife Conservation, Range Management, Biology, Ecology, or a closely related field (or equivalent related experience).
• Professional experience in staff supervision.
• Completion of formal leadership development training.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Wildlife, Range, or Aquatic Ecology, or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in Geographic Information System (GIS) software and spatial analysis tools.

About the Role

Location – 1115 North Main, Springville, Utah, 84663, United States

Background Check Required – No

Drug Test Required – No

Schedule Code – AX - Employees in supervisory positions

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

When you work for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, you're helping improve the quality of life for everyone who calls Utah home. Utah's abundant wildlife populations are a direct result of active, hands-on work by our employees and partners. Division employees give Utahans, and visitors to the state, something to smile about and stories they can't wait to share with their friends and family. In addition, the generous paid time off and great health benefits help ensure that you can spend quality time with your loved ones.

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 (801) 957-9390.