Black Bear Technician

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 February11^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.

Specific Job Information:

The technician will assist a wildlife biologist lead technician 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 May October

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

Deploy and monitor bait/hair corral sites in the field

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

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

Help maintain a safe efficient and respectful work environment

Organize and monitor stocks of field supplies

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

Technicians are required to prepare baits and lures for field studies

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 May 4 October 30.

Applicants should include a Resume Cover Letter and 3 professional references.

Job Duties:

We are accepting applications for a Black Bear Technician position to assist with field activities for the black bear population monitoring program. This is a seasonal position (approximately May - 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 technician working as part of a 7-person team will be responsible for deploying and maintaining black bear hair snare sites across a large geographic area using specific study protocols. Additional duties will include assisting FWP biologists with capture and chemical immobilization of black bears for GPS radio collaring efforts. 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 primarily in the Gravelly Mountains southwest Montana.