The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agencys HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711.
Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.
State government does not discriminate based on race color national origin religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression pregnancy childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth age physical or mental disability genetic information marital status creed political beliefs or affiliation veteran status military service retaliation or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
A B.S. degree in wildlife ecology or closely related field is preferred. We will also consider applicants with at least 2 years progress toward a B.S. or B.A. degree in wildlife biology fish and wildlife management animal ecology biology or a closely related field. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a casebycase basis.
THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.
Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.
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 April 7 2025. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.
Special Information:
Identity of applicants who become finalists may be releases to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1040 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 underrepresented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.
Housing will be provided at locations near the study areas however frequent overnight camping or lodging will be required during parts of the field season.
Job Duties:
The Biology Field Technician 2 positions will support research evaluating the use of remote cameras and GPS collars to monitor large mammal populations in northwest Montana. The positions require extensive time in the field away from the duty station. Technicians will work on foot hiking long distances in challenging environments (steep terrain thick vegetation bear habitat) to deploy remote cameras and collect ungulate scat samples across northwest Montana during fall and spring. Familiarity with scientific data collection protocols and strong attention to detail are required. There is a possibility of ungulate capture via clover trapping to deploy GPS collars during the winter and another field season of camera deployment and recovery work in 2026.
Field work will require the technician to work alone or in teams in remote locations driving hiking and climbing long distances over mountainous terrain sometimes in inclement weather. Field skills need to be supplemented with strong interpersonal and communication skills. Must perform field duties in habitats where encounters with grizzly and black bears wolf mountain lion moose and other potentially dangerous wildlife are possible. Requires extensive driving on highways primitive logging roads & occasionally offroad. Capturing and handling large mammals may involve the use of dangerous immobilization chemicals. Hours of work are often long and irregular will include weekend work and will require frequent overnight camping or lodging. Work will generally be performed on a hitch schedule with 8/9 days onhitch followed by 5/6 days offhitch.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
Basic knowledge and understanding of biology and animal ecology are required. Ability to navigate difficult terrain off roads and trails using GPS and maps is required. Previous experience with wildlife or fisheries field work and scientific data collection is preferred. Knowledge and experience in the safe capture and handling of large wild mammals is preferred. Good organizational and time management skills are needed as well as the ability to accurately collect and record data. Applicants must demonstrate an ability to work with professional biologists other staff and the public. Communication skills both written and verbal are required. Introductory map reading skills and familiarity with map coordinate systems are required. Experience with Survey123 applications is preferred. Applicants must have valid drivers license and be able to operate fourwheel drive vehicles. The ability to work without supervision in potentially hazardous conditions is expected.