Black Bear Technician

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

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

• Cover Letter
• 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 February 6, 2024. 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.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):

• The technician will assist a research wildlife biologist, research assistant, field coordinator, 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 20 to September 6
• 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 weekly hair snare 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 driver's 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 20 - September 6. 

Job Duties (narrative summary):

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 20 - September 6). 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 six-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 may 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 401bs. 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 northwest Montana.

Minimum Qualifications:

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, or a closely related field and related work experience.  Combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.