• Job Description

  Req#: 396035
  !*!
  THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.
  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 January 14, 2023. 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.
  We are accepting applications for a Wildlife Technician position based in Kalispell to assist with grizzly bear augmentation, trend monitoring, and human-bear conflict management in Region 1.
  Organizationally, the position will be attached to the grizzly bear monitoring program in Region 1, but will work collaboratively on grizzly bear augmentation and conflict management efforts in throughout the NCDE. They will work on the trend monitoring crew and will assist with the capture, transport and release of augmentation bears, with a focus on augmenting NCDE bears into the GYE. This will involve coordinating with partner agencies on release protocols, sites, and timing of release. They may also assist with trapping bears for augmentation in other ecosystems. Outside of the augmentation work, their primary duties will be to assist with the population trend monitoring program, but they may also assist with conflict prevention and response in the NCDE. The person in this job will mentor with and train under research staff and regional bear specialists on trapping and handling bears.
  The primary duties involve the capture, radio-marking, and translocation or monitoring of grizzly bears, but substantial preparatory work is required to succeed. Previous large mammal capture experience (especially grizzly bears) and knowledge of grizzly bear behavior is highly preferred. The technician will need to work effectively within a team; take initiative to identify and complete necessary tasks; strive for accurate and complete data collection; and serve the public interest.
  • Individual will be required to work a varied schedule and may be required to camp in remote tent or cabin for 2–10 days at a time
  Physical/Environmental Demands:
  The technician will work with/around wildlife that may be dangerous and work with potentially lethal capture drugs making working conditions routinely hazardous. Exposure to outdoor hazards such as severe weather and extreme terrain is routine. Exposure to potentially harmful pathogens, chemical agents and offensive sights and sounds is expected. The technician may work in and around aircraft.
  • Work requires a high degree of safety consciousness and personnel must be constantly alert to physical and biological hazards
  • Individuals will have to hike and work under variable conditions including steep mountainous terrain, unpredictable weather, stream crossings and wildlife encounters
  • Work requires lifting and carrying objects weighing 40 pounds or more
  • Individuals will have to help prepare baits and lures for field studies
  • Individual may work alone in the field as required
  Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  Basic knowledge and understanding of biology, animal ecology, anatomy and population dynamics is 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. 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 be able to operate a four-wheel drive vehicle both standard and automatic transmissions.
  • Ability to identify bear sign including foods, scat, tracks, and rub trees
  • Experience with telemetry equipment and locating units in the field preferred
  • Experience with capture, immobilization, and handling of large mammals (especially grizzly bears) preferred
  • Experience with safe use of firearms preferred
  • Ability to navigate using a map and compass or GPS
  • Ability to work closely with others for extended periods of time, including overnight stays
  • Individual must work as a member of team, respecting authority of senior members
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate verbally and in writing with landowners, various public and private factions, local government officials, FWP employees, other agencies, corporations and agriculture and conservation organizations.
  • Ability to collaborate with others (researchers, managers, specialists) internal and external to the Department.
  • Ability to prioritize and manage a range of tasks, and work independently.
  • Individual may be required to assist with fixed-wing or helicopter telemetry flights
  • Knowledge of Rocky Mountain biomes and plant communities desired
  • Valid state driver’s license
  Job Duties:
  • Develop and maintain good communication with individuals within FWP and from partner agencies involved in the genetic augmentation program.
  • Help maintain a supply of bait by collecting, processing, and storing roadkill for immediate and future use, while adhering to safety precautions and respecting other users of storage facilities.
  • Help create and maintain a store of scent lure in containers appropriate for field use
  • Help establish and monitor bait/camera and trap/camera sites in the field, including setting leg hold snares and culvert traps
  • Assist with safe capture, immobilization, and handling of grizzly and black bears using foot snares and culvert traps
  • Take the lead in the timely and safe translocation of individual grizzly bears from the NCDE to the GYE.
  • Help use radiotelemetry to locate and collect downed radio collars in the field and assist with investigation if a bear has died
  • Help with aerial telemetry flights to locate and observe bears
  • Accurately and diligently record data associated with all field work and collect necessary biological data and samples during captures
  • Help enter data into database programs using a computer workstation
  • Help maintain a safe, efficient, and respectful work environment
  • Help organize and monitor stocks of field supplies and assist with purchases when needed
  • Help clean and restock capture kits/vehicles for readiness
  • Help keep up with routine maintenance of field vehicles (e.g., oil changes) and report and assist with fulfilling other repairs or maintenance needs
  • Help communicate effectively with partner agencies and adhere to any requirements associated with land access.
  • Represent Montana FWP appropriately when dealing with the public.
  !*!
  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, or a closely related field and related work experience.
  If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.!*!The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.
  
  State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

• About the company

  Montana (/mɒnˈtænə/) is a state in the Mountain West subregion of the Western United States.

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