Wildlife Technician

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Announcement:

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

Resume

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 May 31 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 released 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.

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.

Position will run from approximately mid June through late July.

Job Duties:

The Biology Field Technician 2 positions will support research evaluating the use of remote cameras and GPS radio-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 across northwest Montana during spring and summer. Familiarity with scientific data collection protocols and strong attention to detail are required. 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 off-road. Hours of work are often long and irregular may include weekend work and will require frequent overnight camping or lodging.

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. 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. Applicants must have valid drivers license and be able to operate four-wheel drive vehicles. The ability to work without supervision in potentially hazardous conditions is expected.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):

Basic knowledge and understanding of biology animal ecology anatomy and population dynamics will be 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. Good organizational and time management skills are needed as well as the ability to accurately collect and record data. Introductory knowledge of computer applications such as word processing spreadsheets and database management applications is required. 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 ESRI GIS software is preferred. Experience with use of telemetry equipment and GPS units are required. Applicants must be able to operate a four-wheel drive vehicle. The ability to work without supervision in potentially hazardous conditions is expected.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

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. Combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.