Biologist 1- Technician 5

State of Montana • Bozeman, MT

1d

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, 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 a majority of 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. Field work may be in rugged environments, in possible inclement weather, and in grizzly bear habitat.
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.
• Competent in the field – ability to conduct themselves competently and safely in the backcountry.
• 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.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Field duties may involve hiking long distances, carrying equipment, crossing streams, and camping for extended periods.
• Work will often occur in remote areas inhabited by potentially dangerous wildlife such as grizzly bears and moose; technicians may occasionally work alone under these conditions.
• Winter work will require some winter safety skills
• Must be able to operate four-wheel-drive vehicles safely and travel long distances by vehicle.
• Must be able to use binoculars, spotting scopes, and GPS units, and perform basic vehicle and equipment maintenance.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and in various weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with mapping programs - ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online (AGOL), and/or Survey123 preferred.
• Ability to drive and maintain ATV’s, snow mobiles, and pull trailers is a plus.
• 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 Species of Concern (SOC’s) and Species of Greatest Inventory Need (SGCN).
• Implement a variety of survey methods (e.g., road based and back country surveys, nighttime calling surveys, 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.
• Assist the wildlife biologist with Wildlife Management Area plans
• 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