Nongame Wildlife Technician 5

State of Montana • Missoula, 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 and other nongame wildlife. Field work will be diverse and may include work on 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, and with other groups and agencies. Field work may be in rugged environments, in inclement weather, and in areas with large carnivores (e.g., grizzly bears, mountain lions) and moose.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources, or a closely related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 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 and traveling within 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 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 for up to 10 miles in a day.
• Must be able to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and in various weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Documented experience conducting wildlife surveys with experience across multiple taxa and survey methods preferred.
• Experience with mapping programs - ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online (AGOL), and/or Survey123 preferred.
• Ability to drive and maintain ATV’s, snowmobiles, and pull trailers is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and lead field surveys and inventories for Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and Species of Greatest Inventory Need (SGCN).
• Implement a variety of survey methods (e.g., road-based and backcountry surveys, nighttime calling surveys, capture and handling, bird point counts, radio telemetry, camera trapping).
• Participate in survey design, project planning, and evaluation of results.
• 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 nongame wildlife biologist with Wildlife Management Area plans and projects.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with landowners, agency partners, and the public regarding 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 FWP 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: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees