Biologist 1- Technician 5

State of Montana • Miles City, MT

5d

About The Position

The Wildlife Technician will work within the Nongame Wildlife Program under the supervision of the Regional Nongame Wildlife Biologist. This position plays an important role in supporting and in some cases leading survey and inventory, monitoring, research, and management efforts for Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and other nongame wildlife.
Field work will be diverse and may include birds, bats, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Most field work will occur within the assigned region, with occasional participation in multi-region projects. This is a field-based position, with most office work occurring during the winter months. Technicians must be willing and able to travel and spend extended periods away from home throughout spring and summer field seasons, with less frequent, but occasional travel during the winter months. Technicians are expected to work independently, in small teams with other regional nongame technicians and/or interns.
This is a dynamic position with lots of variety (of species, survey methods, and habitat types) and potential to interact with other MFWP agency professionals. The candidate will represent the agency alongside other agency partners, and therefore this position requires professionalism, self-motivation, and a commitment to wildlife conservation. The Wildlife Technician plays a key role in advancing the mission of the Nongame Wildlife Program by supporting research, monitoring, and management of nongame wildlife species across the state.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources, or a closely related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Documented experience conducting wildlife surveys; experience across multiple taxa and survey methods preferred.
• Knowledge of wildlife biology, animal ecology, anatomy, and population dynamics.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and database management systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online (AGOL), and/or Survey123 preferred.
• Being able to operate an ATV (and possible snowmobile) and be comfortable pulling a trailer is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and lead field surveys and inventories for SGCN species.
• Implement a variety of survey methods (e.g., capture and handling, bird point counts, radio telemetry, camera trapping).
• Collect, record, and manage biological data with a high degree of accuracy.
• Enter and maintain data in databases; assist with data analysis and preparation of end-of-season reports for staff biologists and inclusion in the annual Nongame Report.
• Participate in survey design, project planning, and evaluation of results.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with landowners, agency partners, and the public regarding field activities.
• Train, mentor, and supervise interns, including scheduling, survey training, field supervision, and review of data collection and reports.
• Maintain field equipment and ensure proper safety procedures are followed.
• Assist with other duties within the regional wildlife program and be an integrated member of the regional team.

Benefits

• 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).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees