Bear Conflict Technician

State of Montana•Libby, MT

About The Position

This position will focus on black bear, grizzly bear, and mountain lion conflict issues in the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem of NW Montana. Much of the work will involve education and outreach focusing on prevention and mitigation. Some work will entail communication and interaction with landowners on private lands throughout Lincoln and Sanders Counties of Montana. The position will be stationed in Libby, MT, a small town on the Kootenai River. FWP housing may be available. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking a self-motivated and organized individual to assist with the implementation of regional grizzly bear, black bear, and mountain lion management activities. Primary duties will be to assist in the prevention of human-carnivore conflicts and to evaluate, respond to, and resolve human-carnivore conflicts, primarily between humans and bears. Successful applicants will understand how to utilize effective conflict prevention and resolution tools, particularly the construction of both temporary and permanent electrified fences. The position will require the ability to instruct the public and interagency personnel on effective conflict prevention and reduction tools and techniques, particularly bear aware methods, bear spray, and electrified fencing. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to acquire certification (provided), or have already acquired certification, on the safe capture and handling of wildlife (required). Employees will participate in grizzly bear, black bear, and/or mountain lion captures, handling, relocation and/or humane euthanasia, as well as collect, enter, and compile data for annual reports. A large portion of this position will involve participation in educational events and presentations related to effectively living with wildlife and reducing human-wildlife conflicts. Employees will coordinate as needed with other wildlife conflict specialists, biologists, wardens, other agency staff, and the public to resolve and prevent/reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

Requirements

Effective communication skills
Positive attitude
Ability to work in variable weather conditions and environments
Ability to occasionally tolerate pungent odors
Ability to physically handle injured and/or dead large wildlife
Ability to work and drive for long hours
Flexible and variable work schedule
Ability to occasionally hike long distances carrying a backpack
Ability to work safely in habitats with numerous large carnivores, both alone and as part of a team
Ability to work with members of the public on private and public lands to reduce conflicts with wildlife
Ability to provide outreach and education
Ability to use conflict mitigation tools
Ability to train the public on how to use mitigation tools
Ability to do public speaking and interactions with people at public and/or educational events
Ability to maintain professionalism while working with challenging members of the public
Ability to tolerate pungent odors and handle injured and/or dead wildlife
Requires understanding of the different societal values of wildlife, particularly carnivores
Demonstrated understanding of managing large carnivores in urban and rural environments
Demonstrated experience in the use of ground telemetry equipment
Good written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office software and basic computer skills
Ability to safely tow and backup live-animal trailers
Ability to drive long highway distances, and comfortably drive steep mountain roads on public lands, while towing live-animal trailers
The ability to work under direct supervision and unsupervised
The ability to work alone and as a team member

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated knowledge and/or experience with wildlife conflict prevention methods and tools, particularly electrified fencing
Demonstrated experience working with large carnivores
Experience in human-wildlife conflict management
Ability to safely capture large carnivores, particularly bears, using culvert traps
Demonstrated training and/or experience in the safe use of chemicals to immobilize large carnivores, particularly bears
Knowledge of collection of biological samples, including blood, teeth, and tissues
Ability to speak at public events

Responsibilities

Assist in the prevention of human-carnivore conflicts
Evaluate, respond to, and resolve human-carnivore conflicts, primarily between humans and bears
Utilize effective conflict prevention and resolution tools, particularly the construction of both temporary and permanent electrified fences
Instruct the public and interagency personnel on effective conflict prevention and reduction tools and techniques, particularly bear aware methods, bear spray, and electrified fencing
Participate in grizzly bear, black bear, and/or mountain lion captures, handling, relocation and/or humane euthanasia
Collect, enter, and compile data for annual reports
Participate in educational events and presentations related to effectively living with wildlife and reducing human-wildlife conflicts
Coordinate as needed with other wildlife conflict specialists, biologists, wardens, other agency staff, and the public to resolve and prevent/reduce human-wildlife conflicts