Wildlife Tech 4

State of Montana•Kalispell, MT

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Biology Field Technician 2 positions will support research evaluating the use of remote trail cameras to monitor large mammal populations in northwest Montana. These positions require extensive time in the field away from the duty station. Primary field responsibilities include retrieving remote trail cameras from randomly generated locations throughout northwest Montana. Technicians will work on foot, hiking long distances off trail in challenging environments, including steep terrain, dense vegetation, bear habitat, and inclement weather, to retrieve remote cameras during the fall and early winter. Technicians should expect to hike several miles per day while carrying field equipment over steep, uneven terrain. The positions also require extensive travel by vehicle on highways, primitive logging roads, and occasionally off-road, including travel during winter conditions. Successful applicants must be familiar with scientific data collection protocols and demonstrate strong attention to detail. Field skills must be complemented by effective interpersonal and communication skills. Technicians will work in habitats where encounters with grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, mountain lions, moose, and other potentially dangerous wildlife are possible. Work hours are often long and irregular, may include weekends, and will frequently require overnight camping or lodging. Applicants must be willing and able to perform these duties in inclement weather and winter conditions. A basic knowledge of biology and animal ecology is required. Applicants must be able to navigate difficult terrain away from roads and trails using GPS units and maps. Previous experience conducting wildlife or fisheries field work and scientific data collection in remote areas is preferred. Strong organizational and time management skills, along with the ability to accurately collect and record data, are essential. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to work effectively with professional biologists, other staff, and members of the public. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and be able to safely operate four-wheel-drive vehicles. The ability to work independently in remote and potentially hazardous conditions is expected. These positions are 100% field based. Office work is minimal and generally limited to routine maintenance of field gear and equipment.

Requirements

Two years of college work towards a Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, fish and wildlife management, animal ecology, biology, or a closely related field and related work experience.
Familiarity with scientific data collection protocols.
Strong attention to detail.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
Basic knowledge of biology and animal ecology.
Ability to navigate difficult terrain away from roads and trails using GPS units and maps.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to accurately collect and record data.
Ability to work effectively with professional biologists, other staff, and members of the public.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to safely operate four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Ability to work independently in remote and potentially hazardous conditions.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience conducting wildlife or fisheries field work and scientific data collection in remote areas.

Responsibilities

Retrieving remote trail cameras from randomly generated locations throughout northwest Montana.
Working on foot, hiking long distances off trail in challenging environments, including steep terrain, dense vegetation, bear habitat, and inclement weather, to retrieve remote cameras during the fall and early winter.
Hiking several miles per day while carrying field equipment over steep, uneven terrain.
Extensive travel by vehicle on highways, primitive logging roads, and occasionally off-road, including travel during winter conditions.
Navigating difficult terrain away from roads and trails using GPS units and maps.
Accurately collecting and recording data.
Working effectively with professional biologists, other staff, and members of the public.
Performing duties in inclement weather and winter conditions.
Routine maintenance of field gear and equipment.