Mule Deer Seasonal Technician

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Announcement:

Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• References

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 November 15^th, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Special Information:

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.

Effective June 22, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/ 

Job Duties:

Work with research biologists, research technicians, area biologists, and other staff to develop and execute protocols related to various aspects of mule deer research. Become familiar with people and lands in study areas, including special attention to private landowner relationships, road networks, and access considerations. Locate mule deer through scouting and telemetry to identify target capture locations during winter and summer seasons.

Capture and handle mule deer during winter (adult and subadult fawns) and summer (neonate fawns) seasons in support of mule deer research objectives. Capture methods will include Clover traps and other techniques.  Collect biological measurements and samples from each deer and fit tracking collars for subsequent monitoring of space use and survival. Perform field necropsies in timely manner when mortality events occur among collared deer.  Collect fecal samples from collared deer in support of diet studies and collect samples of important forage plant species for measurement of nutritional quality of forages.

Follow safety protocols while working independently in remote and adverse conditions. Maintain equipment such as field supplies, capture equipment, and traps, and communicate equipment needs for meeting study goals.

Enter and manage data across various software platforms related to study tasks, including capture and handling of deer, monitoring of deer locations, and collection of field samples. Summarize and report progress to project collaborators. Communicate with cooperators and the public regarding study goals and techniques.

Other duties as assigned. May provide support for other regional or research unit projects.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Field work related to mule deer capture and monitoring will require use of special vehicles (e.g., 4x4, snowmobile, ATV, UTV) as well as hiking with backpacks of 40+ lb. in remote areas and inclement weather. Incumbents must maintain safety awareness under varied circumstances. Field work is often carried out in steep and rugged terrain during unpredictable weather conditions. Long hours on certain workdays will be required.

Drugging, trapping, sampling, and handling of wildlife require special awareness and precautions. Such activities require knowledge of drugs being used and proper first aid procedures to follow in case of an accident. Working with large and powerful animals such as mule deer poses risk of injury during handling. Handling of live and dead animals presents the potential risk of exposure to diseases and parasitic, bacterial or viral infection.

Incumbent frequently works independently, but there is routine consultation with Research Unit and regional staff concerning work decisions. Must be capable of making final decisions in areas of responsibility and determining issues that require further review by others.