Campus Pride Jobs

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations. The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained. Core Values: The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservations Forestry and Trust Land Division recognizes that building a collaborative, professional, and inclusive work environment is critical to fulfilling our mission of managing, protecting, and promoting stewardship of Montana’s forests and lands for the benefit of current and future generations and our trust beneficiaries. We hold ourselves to these high standards as we are accountable to the people of Montana. * We value and respect each other. * We create collaborative work environments. * We build and maintain strong relationships. * We practice accountability. * We celebrate our successes and take pride in our work. Job Overview: * This position supports the wildlife management functions for the Trust Land Management Division, specifically as it applies to the effects of forest management and silviculture on various wildlife species. In this primarily field-based position, the wildlife technician will identify and assess wildlife habitat on DNRC-managed forest lands throughout northwest Montana. Work will focus on threatened, endangered, and sensitive species, raptors, and big game. The position works closely with area wildlife biologists and unit foresters. *Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties that may be assigned to the incumbent. Wildlife Habitat Assessments: * * Independently conducts field investigations to assess wildlife habitat characteristics on DNRC-managed forest lands throughout northwest Montana. Identifies habitat of threatened, endangered, and sensitives species as required by the Administrative Rules of Montana. Uses ESRI applications and an iPad to collect data on forest and habitat attributes following protocols. Applies data collected to describe existing conditions and relevant wildlife mitigations used in MEPA analysis. * Participates in coarse woody debris and snag surveys pre- and post-harvest. * Conducts gate and barrier effectiveness checks on roads in grizzly bear management areas. * Routinely drives several hours to field sites and navigates remote, four-wheel drive forest roads using GPS and paper maps. Hikes up to 6 miles daily in challenging forested and mountainous terrain and in all types of weather. * Works closely with area biologists to develop work plan and priorities. Coordinates work schedule and logistical needs with area biologists and unit foresters. * Avian Surveys and Monitoring: * Identifies raptors by sight and sound. Uses raptor behavior to locate and mark nest locations. Determines nest or territory occupancy throughout the breeding season through repeated nest monitoring. Records observations using iPad applications. Prioritizes surveys and communicates findings with area biologists and foresters. * Conducts surveys of common loons on northwest Montana lakes. Observes behaviors, identifies banded birds, adheres to survey protocols, and records data using Survey 123. Coordinates survey efforts with area biologists and other agencies. Performs quality assurance checks of data. * A variable work schedule, including the ability to work some early morning hours (before dawn) will be necessary during raptor monitoring season. Interdisciplinary Program Support & Office Work: * Supports other disciplines within the Trust Land Management Division including hydrology, forestry, recreation, real estate, and fire by assisting with projects as needed. * Maintains field equipment and vehicles. * Communicates with Unit Office staff to coordinate field work and access to project areas. * Enters field data, reviews data for accuracy, uses ArcPro to inform data analysis and create maps, coordinates activities with other work units and agencies. * Prepares wildlife reports and sections in basic MEPA documents, reviews wildlife documents authored by Unit staff. Supervision: * * It is not expected that this position will supervise staff. * Benefits: * Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays * Health, Dental, Prescription, and Vision Coverage * Retirement Plans * Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.  Look here, https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service to learn more and see if you may qualify! If you are interested in a complete job description please contact HR at Makayla.Mangold@mt.gov. *Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience): The required combination of knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the duties of this position are usually acquired through a Bachelor’s degree in Fish and Wildlife Biology, Range Management, Wildlife Biology, Range Management, Zoology, or Fish and Wildlife Management, Biology or a closely related biological field. Required knowledge, skills, and abilities: Broad-based knowledge of a variety of wildlife species, their habitat requirements, and ecological relationships. Knowledge of the principles, practices and terminology related to wildlife biology, wildlife management, forestry, and related disciplines. The ability to identify Montana raptors by sight and sound is required. Applicants must be familiar with plant and tree identification. The position requires skill in the operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs/UTVs, occasional chainsaw use, and familiarity with the equipment and methods used in wildlife and habitat surveys including binoculars, spotting scopes, iPad applications, map & compass orienteering, GPS navigation and aerial photo interpretation. Skill in the use of computer hardware and software related to natural resources management business operations (word processing, spreadsheets, internet, and e-mail) and specialized resource management software. Skills in geographic information systems (ArcPro) are required. The position requires the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to individuals, groups and representatives from other organizations; the ability to coordinate multiple resources to complete work objectives, work on multiple projects simultaneously; work well with others and maintain a positive working environment. The position often works independently and requires critical thinking skills as they work in remote work conditions and may encounter various hazards throughout a typical workday including wildlife, road conditions, hazardous terrain and inclement weather. SPECIAL INFORMATION: Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months. ELIGIBILITY TO WORK: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver’s license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card" Title: Biologist 1 - Wildlife Technician Location: Kalispell Requisition ID: 25140078