- Agency
- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
- Location
- Missoula, MT
- Job Category
- Internships
- Salary
- 13.00/hour
- Start Date
- 05/15/2023
- Last Date to Apply
- 02/17/2023
- Website
- https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/employment
- Description
- The intern will assist the Western Montana Sharp-tailed Grouse (STGR) Restoration Project by monitoring reintroduced grouse in western Montana. The focus of the position is on monitoring survival, searching for nests and broods, and assessing habitat use of translocated STGR using and comparing multiple technologies including ARGOS System Platform Transmitter Terminals (PTTs), VHF tracking, as well as MOTUS systems. The internship will assist with development and field testing of MOTUS tracking systems, use receivers and antennas to triangulate positions of STGR with transmitters, with careful attention to protocols and data collection, working with a graduate student. There may be the opportunity to assist with other field surveys if time and logistics permit. This position will be based in Region 2 and the majority of fieldwork will be within 2 hours of Missoula. There may also be opportunities to travel to other Regions. The intern will work collaboratively with wildlife biologists at FWP, Montana State University, partner agencies, and private homeowners. This internship requires excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships with landowners. We are looking for an individual who can work independently with minimal supervision, is detail-oriented, and interested in gaining experience learning and using a variety of field skills in support of wildlife restoration and monitoring.
- Qualifications
- SKILLS, ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE NEEDED (EDUCATION; UNDERGRAD/GRAD LEVEL, SUGGESTED/REQUIRED MAJORS): Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited university or college program. This includes all public, private, community, vo-tech, and Native American institutions of higher learning. Preference will be given to those individuals enrolled in a program with wildlife biology, wildlife management, ecology, zoology, or a closely related field. Preference will be given to applicants interested in developing a senior thesis as part of this internship Field experience is not a requirement, but preference will be given to applicants with prior experience with data collection, data entry, and course work in statistics or experience with data analysis. Applicants must have the ability to make detailed observations and work under difficult field conditions (e.g. heat, biting insects, working at night, etc.). Preference will be given to applicants with genuine enthusiasm, interest in learning new techniques, and those working towards a career in wildlife biology or a related field. Applicants should be able to follow oral and written directions accurately, be organized, and work well with other biologists or volunteers. Social skills will be required to interact with private landowners and coordinate with other agencies. Applicants must be physically fit and willing to camp overnight on occasion (intern should provide their own personal camping gear). Applicants must hold a valid driver’s license. APPLICATION MATERIALS/PROCEDURES (RESUME, COVER LETTER, REFERENCES, ETC.): Please send a letter of interest, resume, and the names of 3 professional references with phone numbers and email addresses, as one document titled with your name, to Ty Smucker at tsmucker@mt.gov. The letter of interest should address why the applicant wants to work with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, as well as what skills they already possess that could add to this internship. For more information regarding this position, please contact Ty Smucker at tsmucker@mt.gov and 406-250-3979. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: (; HOUSING OF ANY KIND PROVIDED OR POSSIBLY AVAILABLE I.E. TRAILER, FREE CAMP SPOT, BASEMENT APARTMENT, EXTRA SLEEPING ROOM, ETC.) No housing is provided but affordable housing may be available through the University of Montana. Training will be determined after the start of the internship. Student interns must have a valid driver’s license to drive a state vehicle. Applicants MUST be a student enrolled at a university to be eligible for MFWP internships. If graduating spring prior to the internship, enrollment for summer credits still qualifies applicant as eligible to apply.
- Contact Person
- Ty Smucker
- Contact eMail
- tsmucker@mt.gov
