Wildlife Technician - Diversity

SPECIAL NOTIFICATION: This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission. This job announcement will remain open until the position has been filled. Applications will be periodically reviewed as they are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply and submit their applications as soon as possible.  

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking a Wildlife Technician. This position will be located in our Panhandle Region and based out of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. This is a 5-month  non-benefited temporary position and is expected to work up to 40 hours per week. Housing is available for the employee only. No pets. 

Why IDFG? We are a premier natural resource agency dedicated to preserving, protecting, perpetuating, and managing Idaho's fish and wildlife for this great state. We are committed to creativity, innovation, and excellence as we cultivate opportunities for our customers to engage with our natural resources and become resource stewards for future generations. We are highly dedicated to our mission, committed to our team, and we know how to balance work/life commitments while loving the work we do. 

Supplemental Information:

This position requires travel to remote locations for data collection and maintenance activities and may require the physical ability to walk and backpack for several hours; operate four-wheel drive and/or off-road vehicles; lift and carry up to 65 pounds; and work in extreme weather conditions. Evening, weekend, and long workdays may be required. Frequent (overnight) in-state travel may be required.

Responsibilities:

• Fisher (Pekania pennanti) habitat data collection:
  • Visit fisher rest and den sites based on GPS collar data (after the animal has left) for habitat data collection.
  • Habitat data collection will be based on abbreviated United States Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) protocol and will include inventory of trees (size, species, etc), understory vegetation, downed woody material and other metrics.
  • Accessing sample sites involves on- and off-trail travel through steep, heavily vegetated terrain.
  • The position may also aid in the recovery of dropped collars if needed.
  • Will occur for approximately 2 months throughout the Coeur d’Alene National Forest.

• Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) surveys:
  • Surveys will be carried out by walking or wading along the edge of a stream or river and recording Harlequin Duck observations.
  • eDNA sampling will occur in conjunction with visual surveys.
  • Surveys will be conducted over approximately 1 month over a large portion of the state and will require significant travel time and camping from a vehicle

• Remote game camera deployment
  • Work in pairs or alone to deploy and service wildlife monitoring cameras across the region.
  • Deploying and revisiting game cameras involves on- and off-trail travel through steep, heavily vegetated terrain.
  • May also include organizing and processing camera photographs in field and office settings.
  • Will occur for approximately 2 months throughout the Coeur d’Alene National Forest.

Minimum Qualifications: (These qualifications are required)

• Those with relatable field experience and tree/plant identification knowledge will be most competitive for the position.
• Some knowledge of wildlife ecology and habitat requirements; and wildlife habitat evaluation and management practices.
• Experience recording, summarizing, and analyzing biological data.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Experience navigating to remote locations using GPS and maps.
• Physical ability to engage in strenuous work for extended periods of time, including work in adverse weather conditions and lifting and carrying heavy loads.
• Ability to follow instructions, complete assignments, and operate with little direct supervision.
• Ability to manage and work effectively with others.
• Experience operating four-wheel drive trucks and ATVs on narrow dirt roads.

If qualified applicants are found, this announcement may close before the listed closing date.

To learn more about the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, please see the following:

• (Video) Idaho Fish and Game - We Make It Happen

Thank you for applying with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game!