Wildlife Research Technician

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

Cover Letter

Resume

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 August 11, 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.

Housing will be provided at locations near the study areas, however frequent overnight camping or lodging will be required during parts of the field season.

Job Duties:

The Biology Field Technician 2 positions will support research evaluating the use of remote cameras and GPS radio-collars to monitor large mammal populations in n01ihwest Montana. The positions require extensive time in the field away from the duty station. Technicians will work on foot hiking long distances in challenging environments (steep terrain, thick vegetation, bear habitat) to deploy remote cameras across northwest Montana during fall and spring. Familiarity with scientific data collection protocols and strong attention to detail are required. During winter months the technicians will capture and handle deer and elk for GPS collaring.

Field work will require the technician to work alone or in teams in remote locations, driving, hiking, and climbing long distances over mountainous terrain, sometimes in inclement weather. Field skills need to be supplemented with strong interpersonal and communication skills. Must perform field duties in habitats where encounters with grizzly and black bears, wolf, mountain lion, moose, and other potentially dangerous wildlife are possible. Requires extensive driving on highways, primitive logging roads & occasionally off-road. Capturing and handling large mammals may involve the use of dangerous immobilization chemicals. Hours of work are often long and irregular, may include weekend work, and will require frequent overnight camping or lodging.

Qualifications:

Basic knowledge and understanding of biology and animal ecology are required. Ability to navigate difficult terrain off roads and trails using GPS and maps is required. Previous experience with wildlife or fisheries field work and scientific data collection is preferred. Knowledge and experience in the safe capture and handling of large wild mammals is preferred. Good organizational and time management skills are needed as well as the ability to accurately collect and record data. Knowledge of computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and database management applications are preferred. Applicants must demonstrate an ability to work with professional biologists, other staff, 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 ArcGIS is preferred. Applicants must have valid driver's license and be able to operate four-wheel drive vehicles. The ability to work without supervision in potentially hazardous conditions is expected.

Education/Experience:

A B.S. degree in wildlife ecology or closely related field is preferred. We will also consider applicants with at least 2 years progress toward a B.S. or B.A. degree in wildlife biology, fish and wildlife management, animal ecology, biology, or a closely related field. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.