Wildlife Biology Intern

State of Montana • Billings, MT

11h

About The Position

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.
Announcement:
Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.
Resume
Cover Letter
References
Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on March 22, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.
Special Information:
Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. 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).
A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.
Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.
Position will run from approximately mid-May through mid-August. Internship is available for no more than 600 hours. Housing may be provided in local college dormitory, if available. A vehicle will be provided when necessary and per diem will be paid for times the intern is working away from Billings HQ duty station.
Field experience is not a requirement, but preference will be given to applicants with prior field experience that includes data collection and entry. Applicants must have the ability to learn and retain new field skills quickly. Preference will be given to applicants with genuine enthusiasm, interest in learning new techniques, and those working towards a career in wildlife biology or a related field. Good map reading and orientation skills are a plus. Applicants should be able to follow oral and written directions accurately, be organized, and work well independently and with other biologists or volunteers. Social skills will be required to interact with private landowners and coordinate with FWP staff and other agencies.
Applicants must be physically fit and able to hike long distances while carrying equipment. Field conditions will include adverse weather, biting insects, and long hours. Applicants with a demonstrated ability to handle these types of conditions will be given preference. Overnight camping will be required periodically, and applicants should provide their own personal camping gear.
Applicants must hold a valid driver' s license.
Specific Job Information:
The intern will assist the Billings wildlife biologist with the regional nongame wildlife program. This is an opportunity to learn a wide range of field skills that may include acoustic and mist-netting techniques for bats, amphibian and reptile surveys, avian surveys and education and outreach event participation. The intern will also be responsible for data entry, data management, and the maintenance of equipment. In association with Area biologists the intern may be responsible for conducting inventories on Wildlife Management Areas and Fishing Access Sites, including baseline monitoring of amphibians and reptiles. The intern may also be requested to assist with other nongame inventories and wildlife program duties as needed. Interns will be responsible for data submission, preparing end of season reports, and developing protocols for future years. An end of season intern report will be required.

Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled in a college or university.
• Applicants must hold a valid driver' s license.
• Applicants must be physically fit and able to hike long distances while carrying equipment.
• Field conditions will include adverse weather, biting insects, and long hours.
• Applicants should provide their own personal camping gear.

Nice To Haves

• Prior field experience that includes data collection and entry.
• Ability to learn and retain new field skills quickly.
• Genuine enthusiasm, interest in learning new techniques, and those working towards a career in wildlife biology or a related field.
• Good map reading and orientation skills.
• Ability to follow oral and written directions accurately, be organized, and work well independently and with other biologists or volunteers.
• Social skills will be required to interact with private landowners and coordinate with FWP staff and other agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to handle adverse weather, biting insects, and long hours.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Billings wildlife biologist with the regional nongame wildlife program.
• Learn a wide range of field skills that may include acoustic and mist-netting techniques for bats, amphibian and reptile surveys, avian surveys and education and outreach event participation.
• Responsible for data entry, data management, and the maintenance of equipment.
• Conduct inventories on Wildlife Management Areas and Fishing Access Sites, including baseline monitoring of amphibians and reptiles.
• Assist with other nongame inventories and wildlife program duties as needed.
• Responsible for data submission, preparing end of season reports, and developing protocols for future years.
• Prepare an end of season intern report.

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).
• Housing may be provided in local college dormitory, if available.
• A vehicle will be provided when necessary and per diem will be paid for times the intern is working away from Billings HQ duty station.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed