Nongame Wildlife Technician 5

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 May 10th, 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.

This position is funded through a grant. In the event that the funding ends or is not sufficient to continue your employment, your employment may be terminated without cause.

Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 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:

Position Summary

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, small 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 most 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 (SOC), Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and Species of Greatest Information Need (SGIN).

• Implement a variety of survey methods (e.g., road based and remote badlands 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.

• 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 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 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 (e.g., changing a tire).

• 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.

• Must be comfortable, or willing to learn, to handle bats, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates as required by survey protocols.

• Must be comfortable communicating and collaborating with landowners, managers, and other stakeholders while maintaining a high level of professional conduct.

Additional Information

These are dynamic positions 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.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources, or a closely related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Professional 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, & PowerPoint).
• Experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online (AGOL), and/or Survey123 preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven self-starter with strong time-management skills and the ability to manage and prioritize workload with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to maintain a positive attitude and a high level of professionalism.
• Ability to drive and maintain ATV/UTVs and pull trailers is a plus.