Wildlife Technician

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 at our Magic Valley Regional Office located in Jerome, ID. This is a 5-month  benefited temporary position and is expected to work up to 40 hours per week. Housing may be 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. 

What We Offer: 

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• Participation in one of the Nation's best state retirement systems
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual that begins as soon as you start 
• Eleven paid holidays in a year
• Eight weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Multiple saving plans-optional 401k and 457 plans 
• Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance - state provided basic life insurance coverage and affordable supplemental plans 
• Public Sector Student Loan Forgiveness (eligibility requirements may apply)
• Employee Assistance Program - confidential support, information, and resources for all of life's challenges
• State and Department Wellness Programs 
• Ongoing training opportunities 

Supplemental Information: 

Positions in this classification are used for habitat management areas, data management, wildlife management, or wildlife research. Some positions may 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, and ride horses in rugged terrain; lift and carry up to 65 pounds; and work in extreme weather conditions. Incumbents working on habitat projects may be working with herbicides and pesticides. Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required. Frequent (overnight) in-state travel may be required.

Position Date: 

This position is expected to run from January 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. There is some flexibility with the start and end dates.

Responsibilities:

• Monitoring of GPS radio-collared mule deer, elk, pronghorn and sage-grouse which requires field work (sometimes in inclement weather) and meticulous data management. 
• Respond to mortality notifications quickly and perform necropsies on deceased animals to determine cause of death. 
• Assisting with wildlife capture (obtaining necessary equipment, scouting for capture locations, and helping collar deer on drive net captures, etc.)
• Assisting with depredation conflicts, including shooting and field dressing animals
• Data collection & database management.
• Assisting wildlife population staff with day-to-day management activities. Sage-grouse lek monitoring will be conducted during the months of March and April. 

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.
• Valid driver’s license.

MQ Specialties: (Required for the current opening)

• Experience operating and performing minor maintenance and upkeep on equipment to include tractors, four-wheel drive trucks, off-road vehicles, and/or motorized boats and using small hand and power tools.

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will Applicants must possess a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access, as this position involves data entry and management. Experience with ArcGIS programs is beneficial. A BS in wildlife management field is preferred. 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 at Idaho Department of Fish and Game!