Biologist 1- Technician 5

State of Montana • Miles City, MT

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Wildlife Technician works within the Nongame Wildlife Program under the supervision of the Regional Nongame Wildlife Biologist, supporting and sometimes leading survey, inventory, monitoring, research, and management efforts for Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and other nongame wildlife. Fieldwork may involve birds, bats, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, using varied survey methods. Most work takes place in the assigned region, with occasional travel outside Region 7 to assist with or lead multi-regional efforts. This is a field-based position, with most office work occurring during winter. The technician must be willing and able to travel and spend extended periods away from home during spring and summer field seasons, with occasional winter travel. Work is performed independently and in small teams, and includes interaction with agency professionals, partners, landowners, and the public.

The position is based in Miles City, Montana (Region 7). It is not base-funded; funding must be requested for each biennium. A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation. The position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on November 22, 2026. Applicants must apply through the State of Montana Career site and attach a resume, cover letter, and references. Incomplete applications may not progress further. The role may be covered by a VEBA. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental, and life insurance; other listed benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Documented experience conducting wildlife surveys.
• Knowledge of wildlife biology, animal ecology, anatomy, and population dynamics.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel, and database management systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong initiative, work ethic, and desire to learn and improve within the position.
• Ability to navigate and work independently in remote areas.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to travel and spend extended periods away from home, especially during spring and summer field seasons.
• Ability to operate four-wheel-drive vehicles safely and travel long distances by vehicle.
• Ability to use binoculars, spotting scopes, and GPS units, and perform basic vehicle and equipment maintenance.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, and in varied weather conditions.
• Comfort handling, or willingness to learn to handle, bats, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates as required by survey protocols.
• Ability to communicate, liaise, and work professionally with landowners, managers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work in field conditions that may include variable weather, uneven terrain, remote areas, wildlife hazards, long hikes, stream crossings, and extended camping.
• Winter safety skills are required for winter work.

Nice To Haves

• Experience across multiple wildlife taxa and survey methods.
• Experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online (AGOL), and/or Survey123.
• Ability to operate an ATV and possibly a snowmobile, and comfort pulling a trailer.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and lead field surveys and inventories for SGCN species.
• Implement varied survey methods, including capture and handling, bird point counts, radio telemetry, and camera trapping.
• Collect, record, and manage biological data accurately.
• Enter and maintain data in databases; assist with data analysis and prepare 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 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 contribute as an integrated member of the regional team.

Benefits

• Health insurance for employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year.
• Dental insurance for employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year.
• Life insurance for employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year.
• Retirement.
• Paid vacation.
• Sick leave.
• Paid holidays.
• The position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level