Biologist 1- Technician 5

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in wildlife biology ecology natural resources or a closely related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Documented experience conducting wildlife surveys; experience across multiple taxa and survey methods preferred.

• 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.

• Experience with mapping programs - ArcGIS Pro ArcGIS Online (AGOL) and/or Survey123 preferred.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to drive and maintain ATVs snow mobiles and pull trailers is a plus.

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 February 15 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.

Specific Job Information:

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 (SGCN) and other nongame wildlife.

Field work will be diverse and may include 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. Field work may be in rugged environments in possible inclement weather and in grizzly bear habitat.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct and lead field surveys and inventories for Species of Concern (SOCs) and Species of Greatest Inventory Need (SGCN).

• Implement a variety of survey methods (e.g. road based and back country surveys nighttime calling surveys capture and handling bird point counts radio telemetry camera trapping).

• 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 wildlife biologist with Wildlife Management Area plans

• Participate in survey design project planning and evaluation of results.

• Communicate effectively and professionally with landowners agency partners and the public regarding field 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 team.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

The work environment involves both office and field settings. Field work may include exposure to variable weather conditions uneven terrain remote areas and potential wildlife hazards.

• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.

• Field duties may involve hiking long distances carrying equipment crossing 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 some winter safety skills

• Must be able to operate four-wheel-drive vehicles safely and travel long distances by vehicle. Being able to operate an ATV (and possible snowmobile) and be comfortable pulling a trailer is desirable.

• 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.

• Must be able to work irregular hours including nights weekends and in various weather conditions.

Additional Information

This is a dynamic position with lots of variety (of species survey methods and habitat types) and potential to interact with other MFWP agency professionals. The candidate will represent the agency alongside other agency partners and therefore this position requires professionalism self-motivation and a commitment to wildlife conservation. The Wildlife Technician plays a key role in advancing the mission of the Nongame Wildlife Program by supporting research monitoring and management of nongame wildlife species across the state.