Grizzly Bear Research Technician

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Announcement:

Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.

Resume

Cover Letter

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 January 23 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Special Information:

This position may be eligible for a statutory base pay increase of $1.00 an hour effective July 1 2026.

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 under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.

We are accepting applications for a Wildlife Research Technician position to assist with field activities for the grizzly bear population trend monitoring program in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem. This seasonal position (approximately 7.2 months/year) is within the FWP Research Unit. The technician will assist a research wildlife biologist research assistant field coordinator and regional staff in the collection of data needed for monitoring grizzly bear population vital rates and answering management-related research questions. The primary duties involve the capture radio-marking and monitoring of grizzly bears but substantial preparatory work is required to succeed. Previous large mammal capture experience (especially grizzly bears) and knowledge of grizzly bear behavior is highly preferred. The technician will need to work effectively within a team; take initiative to identify and complete necessary tasks; strive for accurate and complete data collection; and serve the public interest.

• The work season is approximately mid April to mid Nov. Individual would be furloughed during off season.

• Individual will be required to work a varied schedule and may be required to camp in remote tent or cabin for 210 days at a time

Physical/Environmental Demands:

The technician will work with/around wildlife that may be dangerous and work with potentially lethal capture drugs making working conditions routinely hazardous. Exposure to outdoor hazards such as severe weather and extreme terrain is routine. Exposure to potentially harmful pathogens chemical agents and offensive sights and sounds is expected. The technician may work in and around aircraft.

• Work requires a high degree of safety consciousness and personnel must be constantly alert to physical and biological hazards

• Individuals will have to hike and work under variable conditions including steep mountainous terrain unpredictable weather stream crossings and wildlife encounters

• Work requires lifting and carrying objects weighing 40 pounds or more

• Individuals will have to help prepare baits and lures for field studies

• Individual may work alone in the field as required

Knowledge skills and abilities:

Basic knowledge and understanding of biology animal ecology anatomy and population dynamics is required. Training in and some ability to conduct surveys and perform radio telemetry is required. Knowledge of the safe collection of blood tissue or other samples from animals is preferred. Knowledge of animal handling is preferred. Applicants must demonstrate an ability to work with professional biologists other staff and the public. Communication skills both written and verbal are required. Applicants must be able to operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.

• Ability to identify bear sign including foods scat tracks and rub trees

• Experience with telemetry equipment and locating units in the field preferred

• Experience with capture immobilization and handling of large mammals (especially grizzly bears) preferred

• Experience with safe use of firearms preferred

• Ability to navigate using a map and compass or GPS

• Ability to work closely with others for extended periods of time including overnight stays

• Individual must work as a member of team respecting authority of senior members

• Individual may be required to assist with fixed-wing or helicopter telemetry flights

• Knowledge of Rocky Mountain biomes and plant communities desired

• Valid state drivers license

Job Duties:

• Help maintain a supply of bait by collecting processing and storing roadkill for immediate and future use while adhering to safety precautions and respecting other users of storage facilities.

• Help create and maintain a store of scent lure in containers appropriate for field use

• Help establish and monitor bait/camera and trap/camera sites in the field including setting leg hold snares and culvert traps

• Assist with safe capture immobilization and handling of grizzly and black bears using foot snares and culvert traps

• Help use radiotelemetry to locate and collect downed radio collars in the field and assist with investigation if a bear has died

• Help with aerial telemetry flights to locate and observe bears

• Accurately and diligently record data associated with all field work and collect necessary biological data and samples during captures

• Help enter data into database programs using a computer workstation

• Help maintain a safe efficient and respectful work environment

• Help organize and monitor stocks of field supplies and assist with purchases when needed

• Help clean and restock capture kits/vehicles for readiness

• Help keep up with routine maintenance of field vehicles (e.g. oil changes) and report and assist with fulfilling other repairs or maintenance needs

• Help communicate effectively with partner agencies and adhere to any requirements associated with land access.

• Represent Montana FWP appropriately when dealing with the public.

Minimum Qualifications

The knowledge skills and abilities of this position are normally attained through combination of education and experience equivalent to a minimum of two years of college work towards a bachelors degree in wildlife biology fish and wildlife management animal ecology biology or a closely related field and related work experience.

Degree or working towards a degree in wildlife biology biology or a related degree in natural resources.