Lead Black Bear Technician

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

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.

Knowledge of wildlife biology animal ecology anatomy and population dynamics.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word Excel) and database management systems.

Experience with ArcGIS Pro ArcGIS Online (AGOL) and/or Survey123 preferred.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Effective written and verbal communication skills.

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 9^th 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.

Essential Functions:

The technician will assist a wildlife biologist and regional staff in the collection of data needed for monitoring black bear population vital rates and answering management-related research questions

The field season is approximately April to October

Coordinate deploy and monitor bait/hair corral sites in the field

Schedule daily field activities for 5 technicians

Accurately and diligently record data associated with all field work and collect necessary biological samples during bi-weekly hair corral site checks

Organize manage and analyze field data DNA samples and remote camera imagery

Assist with safe capture immobilization and handling of black bears using culvert traps

Locate and collect downed radio collars in the field using radio telemetry and assist with investigation of bear mortalities

Help maintain a safe efficient and respectful work environment

Organize and monitor stocks of field supplies

Create and maintain a store of scent lure in containers appropriate for field use

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

Communicate effectively with partner agencies and adhere to any requirements associated with land access

Represent Montana FWP professionally when communicating with the public

The technician will work with/around wildlife that may be dangerous

Exposure to outdoor hazards such as severe weather and extreme terrain is routine

Exposure to potentially harmful pathogens chemical agents and offensive sights smells and sounds is expected

Individuals will be required to hike and work in a variety of field settings and must safely navigate steep mountainous terrain unpredictable weather stream crossings and wildlife encounters

Work requires lifting and carrying objects weighing 40 pounds or more

The technician will have the opportunity to assist with other FWP projects as needed and available.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Field activities require working independently and driving in inclement weather and on hazardous roads. Must have a drivers license and be able to operate a 4x4 truck both standard and automatic transmissions in all types of weather and road conditions

Technicians will be expected to work 40 hours/week from approximately April October applicants should include a Resume Cover Letter and 3 professional references.

Specific Job Information:

We are accepting applications for a Lead Black Bear Technician position to assist with coordinating and performing field activities for the black bear population monitoring program. This is a seasonal position (approximately April- October). The technician will assist in the collection of data needed for monitoring black bear population vital rates and answering management-related research questions. The lead technician working as part of a seven- person team will be responsible for coordinating the deployment and maintenance of black bear hair corral and remote camera sites across a large geographic area using specific study protocols. The lead technician will plan the daily work schedules for 5 field technicians organize and maintain field data and remote camera imagery effectively communicate with land managers and private landowners and help maintain field equipment. Additional duties will include assisting FWP biologists with capture and chemical immobilization of black bears for GPS radio collaring efforts and management and analysis of large datasets. Previous large mammal experience (especially grizzly or black bears) and knowledge of bear behavior is highly preferred. The technician must be self-motivated and well organized communicate effectively work effectively within a team strive for accurate and complete data collection be in good physical condition and should enjoy working in remote and rugged settings. Work will be conducted in remote locations during inclement weather with varying road and terrain conditions. Field work will be physically demanding and technicians may be asked to carry up to 40lbs. Individual will be required to work a 40-hour work week schedule and may be required to camp in remote tent or cabin for several days at a time. Primary work areas for this position will occur in the Gravelly Mountains of southwest Montana.