CWD Technician Lead

Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.

Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on December 4, 2024. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site. 

Special Information:

Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary.Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays.This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.

Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.

The position is in Libby, Montana, a mountainous region in the northwestern corner of Montana. Libby is approximately 90 miles west of Kalispell and lies within the Kootenai River Valley. There is a variety of recreational activities within the area including fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, boating, and skiing. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was detected in white-tailed deer in the Libby area in 2019. FWP is taking actions to reduce CWD prevalence in the deer population and reduce risk of disease spread. This will be done by reducing deer numbers and density in the urban area in and around Libby.

Temporary housing may be provided.

Job Duties:

The Libby CWD Tech Lead will oversee and conduct deer capture, removal and testing duties following established protocols. The Libby CWD Tech Lead will assign daily duties of one technician as well as participate in all field and office work required of the project. The Libby CWD Tech Lead will contact local landowners to secure permission for deer trapping operations, communicate activities with landowners, the local area biologist and regional wildlife manager. This position required to ability to work in extreme weather conditions, operate wildlife traps, euthanize captured deer, process deer for dispersal to local food banks, collect and submit CWD samples, and keep accurate records of activities. The Libby CWD Tech Lead must have good communication skills, the ability to work effectively as a team leader, and the ability to work with a variety of stakeholders.

The Libby CWD Tech Lead must be able to lift at least 40 pounds, drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle, perform strenuous physical activities, physically restrain deer using traps, operate a captive bolt gun, collect biological samples, and follow proper safety protocols. Unpleasant sights and smells related to deer removals, field dressing and tissue collections will be part of daily activities. The ability to accurately record data and manage data utilizing computer software such as Excel and/or Survey 123 is required. The Libby CWD Tech Lead will be responsible the safe operation of field activities and ensuring work is completed effectively and efficiently.

Basic knowledge and understanding of biology, animal ecology, anatomy and population dynamics will be required.Training in and some ability to conduct surveys and perform radio telemetry is required.Knowledge of the safe collection of blood, tissue, or other samples from animals is preferred.Good organizational and time management skills are needed as well as the ability to accurately collect and record data.Introductory knowledge of computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and database management applications are required. Applicants must demonstrate an ability to work with professional biologists, other research assistants and the public. Communication skills, both written and verbal, are required.Introductory map reading skills and familiarity with map coordinate systems are required.Experience with ESRI GIS software is preferred. Experience with use of telemetry equipment and GPS units are preferred. Applicants must be able to operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.The ability to work without supervision in potentially hazardous conditions is expected.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through combination of education and experience equivalent to a minimum of two years of college work towards a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, fish and wildlife management, animal ecology, biology, or a closely related field and related work experience. Supervisory experience is preferred. Combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.