Black-footed Ferret and Prairie Dog Technician 2024-03025

Black-footed Ferret and Prairie Dog Technician 2024-03025SALARY

$20.39 Hourly

JOB TYPE

Temporary Full-time

JOB NUMBER

2024-03025

DEPARTMENT

Game & Fish Commission

DIVISION

Wildlife

OPENING DATE

12/20/2024

CLOSING DATE

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

JOB CLASSIFICATION

ATTP99

Description and Functions

Open Until Filled
 
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking 2 technicians to assist with ongoing efforts to establish and maintain populations of black-footed ferrets in Wyoming.  The position will run from mid-May through mid-October 2025.  General duties include but are not limited to: evaluating population status of prairie dogs, mapping borders of their colonies, and monitoring population trends of ferrets in Wyoming. 

Human Resource Contact: Alice Saldana / alice.saldana2@wyo.gov

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

• Survey for ferrets and their habitat using several sampling techniques including visual counts, camera trapping, live trapping, and extensive nocturnal spotlight surveys
• Delineate borders of white-tailed prairie dog colonies and evaluate status of burrows
• Collect, manage, and manipulate spatial, survey, and photo data
• Organize, maintain, and repair survey equipment
• Regularly communicate with agency personnel, partners, volunteers, private landowners, and the public
• Assist with educational outreach efforts
• Conduct assorted nongame mammal and bird surveys as necessary

Qualifications

PREFERENCES: 

Preference may be given to those with a high school degree plus 2 years of experience in fish and wildlife resource management, research, or habitat development OR 2 years of college course work towards a baccalaureate degree in wildlife management or a closely related field.  Due to ferrets’ susceptibility to Covid-19, preference will be given to vaccinated individuals.  

**Agency requires that the successful applicant must have a valid driver’s license. 

KNOWLEDGE: 

• Experience using hand-held GPS and maps for navigation and data collection
• Ability to maintain a positive and productive attitude in challenging and monotonous conditions in remote locales without supervision
• Adherence to protocols in place for accurate data collection and safety around zoonotic diseases
• Operation of 4WD vehicles and ATVs on and off-road; experience pulling trailers preferred

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Must be able to hike long periods of time across uneven terrain and at high elevations, often while carrying camera- or live-trapping equipment (up to 40 lbs)
• Anticipate a highly variable schedule (including long hours, weekends, and nights) that will often change with little notice
• Ability to work ~6 weeks of nocturnal spotlight surveys in 4 night shifts
• Willingness to camp and work in the field for up to 8 days at a time, generally without phone service, running water, or electricity
• Perform extensive travel across the state in Department vehicles

NOTES: 

• FLSA: Non-exempt
• Necessary field equipment, groceries, and housing while in the field will be provided. Housing in Lander will not be provided.
• Position will last from approximately May 12, 2025 through October 17, 2025.
• Applicants will provide a cover letter explaining their suitability for the position, career plans, and dates of availability; resume; and at least 3 references.  All application materials must be submitted via the State of Wyoming Job Opportunities online portal.
• For more information regarding this position, contact Andrew Gygli at 307-335-2636 or andrew.gygli1@wyo.gov.

Supplemental Information

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. 
 Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.