Nongame Field Technician 2 \- (26140757) THE *OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.*
Announcement:
- Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources, or a closely related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 1 or more years of experience conducting wildlife surveys; experience across multiple taxa and survey methods preferred.
- Ability to conduct themselves competently and safely in the backcountry.
- Knowledge of wildlife biology, animal ecology, anatomy, and population dynamics.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and database management systems.
- Experience with mapping programs \- ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online (AGOL), and/or Survey123 an asset.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
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 March 29, 2026\. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.
Special Information:
This position may be eligible for a statutory base pay increase of $1\.00 an hour effective July 1, 2026\.
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.
Telework (if applicable):
You must reside in Montana (or move to Montana) to accept this position. In this position you will be afforded the opportunity to telework, however there will be required weekly in\-office day(s). Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy.
Specific Job Information:
Two positions are available; work throughout the post may occur within any FWP Regions. Technicians will sometimes work with multi\-region survey efforts and will need to travel to other regions. Work is primarily field\-based, office time will be minimal. Technician must have the flexibility to be away from home for majority of the spring and summer field seasons. Work will occasionally require changes and re\-organization of work schedules and travel plans due to weather or other circumstances.
This is a seasonal position running approximately mid\-April through mid\-September.
A state application is not required. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and responses to supplemental questions.
Job Duties:
Technician will work in the Nongame Wildlife Program and will be supervised by the Avian Conservation Biologist. The focus of the position is to lead survey and inventory efforts on Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) as directed by the priorities identifies by staff biologists and nongame bureau chief. Survey efforts will be diverse and include surveys for pinyon jay, harlequin duck, salamanders, assisting with MOTUS tower installation, nest searching, and remote tracking. Previous experience surveying for wildlife is ideal covering diverse survey methods (e.g. bird point counts, radio telemetry, camera trapping).
Basic knowledge and understanding of biology, animal ecology, anatomy and population dynamics is expected. Good organized and time management skills are needed as well as the ability to accurately collect and record data. Technicians will be responsible for data entry and database management. Knowledge of computer applications such as work processing, Excel, and database management applications are required. Experience working in ArcPro, AGOL, and/or Survey 123 is preferred. Technicians will be involved with survey design, data analysis and end of season reports for nongame wildlife biologists and for inclusion in the annual nongame report. Good verbal communication skills are required.
The ability to work without supervision in potentially hazardous conditions is expected. The technician will perform a variety of work including moving heavy objects, backpacking, stream crossing, high elevation hiking, working in bear country, winter conditions, working at night, and camping for extended periods. The technician must have adequate field skills and be able to use binoculars, spotting scopes and GPS units, drive 4x4 vehicle in all weather conditions, change a tire, hike alone or in a team, work safely in bear country situations and in grizzly bear country, set up and maintain a clean camp, administer basic first aid, and interact with the public. The technician must be able to drive safely for long periods at a time.
The technician will need to be able to communicate effectively with landowners and other members of public in the field when questions about the work arises.
Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.
Training Assignment: Not Applicable
Salary: $ 24\.44 \- 24\.44 Hourly
Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full\-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)
Benefits Package Eligibility: Retirement Plan Optional
Number of Openings: 2
Employee Status: Seasonal (less than 6 mos)
Schedule: Full\-Time
Job Type: Standard
Shift: Variable
Travel: Yes, 75 % of the Time
Primary Location: Helena
Agency: Department of Fish, Wildlife \& Parks
Union: 000 \- None
Posting Date: Mar 16, 2026, 1:37:14 PM
Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Mar 30, 2026, 12:59:00 AM
Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume
Contact Name: Jeff Kirksey \| Contact Email: fwpemp@mt.gov \| Contact Phone: 406\-410\-1994