- Agency
- Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
- Location
- Bozeman or Helena MT
- Job Category
- Temporary/Seasonal Positions
- Salary
- $20.44/hour
- Start Date
- 03/13/2023
- Last Date to Apply
- 02/12/2023
- Website
- https://mtstatejobs.taleo.net/careersection/200/jobdetail.ftl?job=23140372&tz=GMT-08%3A00&tzname=America%2FLos_Angeles
- Description
- This is a lead technician position that will work with both the Nongame Wildlife Program and the Wildlife Health Lab to organize the logistics and coordinate Montana’s white-nose syndrome surveillance and acoustic monitoring of bats across the state. The lead technician will assist with the daily supervision, training, and organization of work plans for 2 field technicians to carry out white-nose syndrome (WNS) surveillance in bats in hibernacula, at summer roost sites, or via mist-netting at 30+ sites across the state of Montana (April – June). This position is also responsible for coordinating Montana’s bat acoustic monitoring program following NABat protocol (June – July). This includes implementing a deployment and retrieval schedule for acoustic detectors at 80+ sites across the state. Both efforts require the position to work with dozens of FWP and partner agency staff to coordinate field efforts and share equipment. This position also involves contacting and building positive relationships with private landowners to obtain access to conduct Pd/WNS surveillance and acoustic monitoring. WNS surveillance includes the capture, handling, identification, and sampling (e.g. swabbing of bats) across the state. Other surveillance work includes collecting guano and soil samples in hibernacula and at spring roost sites. Some surveillance work will occur in hibernacula – previous experience working in caves, including rope work, is ideal but not required. Supervising the NABat program includes developing a deployment schedule for acoustic detectors at 80+ sites across the state and assisting in the deployment, retrieval, and equipment maintenance of all acoustic detectors. Other tasks include maintain supply and equipment inventories, enter data, maintain database of sampling sites and results, and ship samples to testing laboratories. Physical demands include working long hours (including at night), hiking in mountainous terrain in bear country, and carrying heavy equipment. The ability to work without direct supervision in potentially hazardous conditions is expected. The technician must have the ability to drive a 4x4 vehicle in all weather conditions, change a tire, and hike or camp alone or in a team.
- 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. Applicants must apply through Montana.gov website Please remember to attach the required documents Cover Letter and Resume listed in this announcement. Cover letter should describe relevant field experience, including mist-netting, bat-handling and identification, and/or biological sample collection experience that you may have as well as any relevant supervisory experience.
- Contact Person
- Kristina Smucker
- Contact Phone
- 406-444-5209
