Wildlife Tech 4

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Announcement:

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

• Resume

• Cover Letter

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 August 9, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Special Information:

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.

Effective June 22, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/

Specific Job Information:

Housing is provided both on an off duty near Eureka MT. Frequent overnight travel will be required during parts of the field season.

The work schedule will be 8 days on, 6 days off.

The position is expected to run from approximately September 1 until December 15.

Job Duties:

The Biology Field Technician 2 positions will support research evaluating the use of remote trail cameras to monitor large mammal populations in northwest Montana. These positions require extensive time in the field away from the duty station.

Primary field responsibilities include retrieving remote trail cameras from randomly generated locations throughout northwest Montana. Technicians will work on foot, hiking long distances off trail in challenging environments, including steep terrain, dense vegetation, bear habitat, and inclement weather, to retrieve remote cameras during the fall and early winter. Technicians should expect to hike several miles per day while carrying field equipment over steep, uneven terrain. The positions also require extensive travel by vehicle on highways, primitive logging roads, and occasionally off-road, including travel during winter conditions.

Successful applicants must be familiar with scientific data collection protocols and demonstrate strong attention to detail. Field skills must be complemented by effective interpersonal and communication skills. Technicians will work in habitats where encounters with grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, mountain lions, moose, and other potentially dangerous wildlife are possible. Work hours are often long and irregular, may include weekends, and will frequently require overnight camping or lodging. Applicants must be willing and able to perform these duties in inclement weather and winter conditions.

A basic knowledge of biology and animal ecology is required. Applicants must be able to navigate difficult terrain away from roads and trails using GPS units and maps. Previous experience conducting wildlife or fisheries field work and scientific data collection in remote areas is preferred. Strong organizational and time management skills, along with the ability to accurately collect and record data, are essential.

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to work effectively with professional biologists, other staff, and members of the public. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and be able to safely operate four-wheel-drive vehicles. The ability to work independently in remote and potentially hazardous conditions is expected.

These positions are 100% field based. Office work is minimal and generally limited to routine maintenance of field gear and equipment.

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 Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, fish and wildlife management, animal ecology, biology, biology, or a closely related field and related work experience. Combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

May be required to acquire and maintain certification in the capture and handling of wildlife.