Wildlife Technician - Grizzly Bear (3 positions)

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 3 Wildlife Technicians. These positions will be located in in the area of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. These positions include 2 5-month and 1 3-month non-benefited temporary position and are expected to work up to 40 hours per week. Housing may 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: 

Positions in this classification are used for data management, wildlife management, or wildlife research. This position will require travel to remote locations for data collection and the physical ability to walk and backpack for several hours in challenging and adverse terrain often off trail in grizzly bear habitat; 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 holiday work may be required.

Responsibilities:

The Wildlife Technician is primarily responsible for conducting non-invasive genetic sampling and assisting with the capture of grizzly bears in the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains to continue ongoing grizzly bear population monitoring. 

• Daily planning and coordination of grizzly bear DNA monitoring fieldwork activities
• Navigating to preselected sites or preferred areas using maps and GPS to deploy and maintain hair-snare/camera sites
• Conducting scouting in new areas for possible grizzly bear use
• Managing and organizing hair samples and photographic images collected
• Database entry and management
• Providing direction and leadership to an intern

Minimum Qualifications: (These qualifications are required)

• Some knowledge of wildlife ecology and habitat requirements; and wildlife habitat evaluation and management practices.
• Experience recording, summarizing, and analyzing biological data.
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Experience following oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures
• Experience interacting with the public in a professional setting

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate has a strong basis in knowledge of wildlife species and their habitats usually acquired through 2 years of field experience or completion of 2 years of coursework in an accredited Wildlife Biology Program or closely related field. The ideal candidate will have the ability to follow instructions to complete assignments and field tasks with limited direct supervision. They also must possess the ability to work effectively with others and work long, irregular hours under adverse and strenuous conditions for extended periods. Preferred candidates will also have prior trail camera experience, navigating to remote locations using GPS, and prior work in bear country (preferably grizzly bear). Additional consideration may be given at the time of the interview to candidates who have this experience. Please be sure to include any experience you have in these areas.

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!