Biological Technician

Employer: Turner Institute of EcoAgriculture, Inc.
Supervisory Position:  No
Job Title: Biological Technician    
Uses Time & Attendance: No
Location:  Bozeman, Montana
Division:  Turner Institute of EcoAgriculture
Home Department:  3105
FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt
Position Type: Seasonal / Non-Benefits Eligible
Housing Provided: No

TURNER INSTITUTE OF ECOAGRICULTURE SUMMARY
The mission of the Turner Institute of EcoAgriculture is to research, practice, and disseminate sustainable strategies and techniques for conserving ecosystems, agriculture, biodiversity, and rural communities. Turner Ranches continues to be involved in diverse areas of research concerning animal and environmental sciences. Bison production, finishing, welfare, physiology, and ecology have been areas of research interest. Research has also focused on issues in restoration ecology and imperiled species conservation. Wildlife and bison diseases have been investigated, as has climate change, ecosystem services, and landscape ecology. We look forward to continuing to conduct research in these areas, especially where these subjects converge and create complex eco-agriculture issues and opportunities for big solutions. All the Turner Ranches are innovatively managed to unite economic viability with ecological sustainability. They operate as working businesses, relying on bison and other wildlife, hunting and fishing, and ecotourism as principal enterprises. In addition, Turner Ranches support many progressive environmental projects including water resource and timber management, and the reintroduction of native species to the land. By sharing our philosophy of using lands to research and demonstrate how ranching operations can meet economic and production objectives while protecting and enhancing natural resources and conservation values of large landscapes, two outcomes can be achieved upon which humankind depends upon – food production and ecosystem health.

LOCATION SUMMARY
The Biological Technician will be based in Bozeman, Montana. The position will also involve extended periods of travel to field locations in South Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Kansas (not typically exceeding two weeks).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
We are seeking a Biological Technician to help formulate and field-test a novel fipronil-based plague mitigation bait system (FipBits) for use on prairie dog colonies as part of a broader conservation effort to restore the endangered black-footed ferrets on the landscape. This position will work independently as part of a small team to fulfill position duties with minimal daily oversight.

As a Biological Technician, the job duties include but may not be limited to the following:

• Assist with lab work to produce FipBits that involves diligent formulation of baits to exacting standards.
• Disseminate FipBits on prairie dog colonies as well as capture, mark, and process prairie dogs and small mammals in South Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Kansas.
• Count and collect fleas from captured mammals as part of a collaborative research project to evaluate FipBit efficacy in reducing mammal flea loads.
• Travel 8 or more hours to remote locations for fieldwork in a vehicle.
• Drive a ½ ton pickup-truck in both urban and off-road environments.
• Perform basic vehicle and equipment maintenance as needed.
• Safely operate and maintain vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, and other powered equipment with various attachments and hand tools.  
• Participate in Ranch safety meetings as needed.
• All other duties as needed. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job does not have supervisory responsibilities.

COMPETENCIES AND CHARACTERISTICS
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; works well alone.
• Project Management – Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time.
• Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests.
• Judgment – Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Motivation – Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
• Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently.
• Professionalism – Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
• Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
• Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

ACCOMMODATIONS 
The employee is responsible for housing while in Bozeman, Montana.   Lodging and meals will be provided when traveling or in the field for extended periods; however, that may include tent camping (basic camping gear will be provided).

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Undergraduate or MS degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Management, or related field is required. Prior experience with lab work and mammal trapping and handling is useful, but not required. Experience and ability to diagnose and perform basic maintenance on vehicles and equipment is highly preferred.  

LANGUAGE SKILLS 
The employee must be able to read and interpret documents such as scientific papers, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. The employee must be able to write routine reports and maintain detailed records.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 
The employee must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers and fractions. The employee must be able to understand basic statistics.  

REASONING ABILITY
The employee must be able to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions. The employee must be able to solve practical problems, and the ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
If position requires operation of a vehicle, the employee must possess a valid Driver’s License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of employment. The employee’s driving record must meet the standards and requirements of the Company and the Company’s insurance carrier.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• The employee must adhere to Company policies and procedures, which are included in the Company’s Employee Handbook.
• The employee must present documentation establishing both identity and employment authorization within three days of hire, pursuant to federal law.
• The candidate may be subject to undergo pre-employment drug test, (after offer is given but before applicant has commenced work).
• The Company operates as a drug free/smoke free workplace. Smoking is not allowed in Company buildings or properties, to include but not limited to, Field housing, Field vehicles, and Field offices.
• The employee must provide own cell phone to use while working remotely.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, dig with various tools, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk; hear. The employee must be able to lift and /or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.   The employee must be able to perform physical labor for extended periods of time, often outdoors under inclement weather conditions.  Extended hiking may be required of the employee.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts; outside weather conditions; extreme cold and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.   While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be alert and aware of dangers that are present while working in a remote location.  The successful employee must be comfortable working alone in a remote landscape.

Typically, the employee will be expected to work 5 days a week (M-F) and up to 40 hours/week; however, the work schedule may require slightly shorter or longer workdays or weeks depending on the weeks’ task schedule and the weather.

*In accordance with applicable law, the Company will reasonably accommodate any disabled individual who requests an accommodation that will allow him/her to perform the essential job duties or functions of his/her position. Accommodation inquires must be made to the Company’s Human Resources Department for consideration.”

Turner Institute of EcoAgriculture, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Smoke Free/Drug-Free Workplace.

For more information, and to apply online, visit www.turnerecoagriculture.org.