Carnivore Biologist

Introduction:

The incumbent will be responsible for researching and managing grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, wolves, and other carnivore species on the Blackfeet Reservation. They will implement best management practices for the Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife Department (BFWD). Additionally, the incumbent will oversee all aspects of human-carnivore conflict prevention activities for the BFWD.

Major Duties

• Determine seasonal distributions of carnivores on the Blackfeet Reservation.
• Identify movement patterns of carnivores between the Blackfeet Reservation and Glacier National Park, as well as movement off the Reservation onto State land.
• Locate, describe, and map critical habitat areas for carnivores on the Blackfeet Reservation.
• Develop and initiate a population trend monitoring system for carnivores on the Blackfeet Reservation.
• Trap grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, and mountain lions. Must be able to chemically (or physically) immobilize animals, track vitals, and fit with a radio-transmitter collar or ear tags.
• Locate animals by triangulation from the ground and air to determine movement and habitat use.
• Write progress reports and proposals for grants and other funding.
• Analyze data and provide timely and accurate grizzly bear management information for the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) and other pertinent partners.
• Prioritize the development and implementation of management plans for grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, mountain lions, and other predator species. May also assist with the management of moose, elk, deer, and other species of wildlife.
• Train and supervise technicians in all duties required to carry out program functions.
• Investigate livestock depredations and other human-wildlife conflicts, identify the animals involved, and implement appropriate measures to alleviate these conflicts.
• Train tribal game wardens and other department personnel in bear and wolf trapping and handling techniques.
• Assist other tribal departments and consultants with information about threatened and endangered species, including habitat information and regulations when planning resource extraction (logging, oil and gas exploration and development, etc.) activities.
• Obtain and maintain federal permits necessary for program operation such as drug handling and working with endangered species.
• Under the direction of the Director and Lead Wildlife Biologist for the BFWD, provide advice and guidance to the Blackfeet Tribe while dealing with other federal, state, NGOs, and tribal agencies in developing ecosystem-wide plans for managing grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, mountain lions, and other wildlife.
• Assist the BFWD with aerial surveys for elk and other big game species and recommend appropriate management alternatives.

Factors

Qualifications:

• Must at least have a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Management or related field. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of applicable experience.
• Experience in animal tracking.
• Safe handling of various species of wildlife, as needed.
• Extensive use of off-road vehicles (four-wheelers and side by sides) or experience operating vehicles in various terrains.
• Lifting or carrying up to 50lbs (while hiking) and over uneven terrain.
• Valid Montana driver’s license.
• No previous conviction for drug-related charges.
• Have good public speaking skills.
• Must be willing to work long hours including weekends, nights, & holidays.

Knowledge required by the position:

• Ability to read and use topographic maps, aerial photographs, habitat mapping techniques, and GIS programs.
• Ability to identify grizzly bear tracks and other wildlife sign.
• Experience in trapping bears with leg-hold snares and culvert traps.
• Experience in the use of immobilizing drugs and capture guns.
• Experience in the use of radio-transmitter collars, radio receivers, and telemetry.
• Experience in conducting population surveys and trend monitoring studies for wildlife, particularly bears.
• Experience in writing technical proposals, reports, and publications.
• Extensive experience with various firearms, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns.
• Experience in the use of statistical packages, word processing and data management programs on computers.
• Experience operating aerial drones.

Supervisory Controls:

• Works under the direction and guidance of the Director of BFWD but is expected to be able to work independently in a professional manner exercising sound judgment.

Guidelines:

• Follow all guidelines proposed and established through Blackfeet Tribal Ordinances and Resolutions, Code of Federal Regulations, and scientific literature.

Complexity:  

• Work involves varied on-the-ground applications of wildlife biology and management, with a particular focus on predator biology and management. Work to be completed is identified by management plans and discussion with supervisor.  Incumbent is a fully operating participant in the planning and implementation of the predator research and management efforts. Effective communication is essential with the Blackfeet Tribe, Bureau of Indian Affairs, other government organizations, and local tribal members and residents.

Scope:

• The scope of this position is to implement a predator management program on the Blackfeet Reservation, with a specific focus on grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, and wolves. The incumbent will advise BFWD and other tribal personnel. The goal is to ensure the proper management of these predators while minimizing interference with recreation, livestock, and other land use activities.

Personal Contacts:

• Must maintain contact with various BFWD and other Tribal employees, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U. S. Forest Service, Glacier National Park (National Park Service), individual tribal members, and other federal, state, tribal, and NGO agencies, in the U. S. and Canada.

Purpose of Contact:

• The purpose of contacts involves program coordination, giving and exchanging information, and recommending management alternatives.

Work Environment:

• Approximately 60-75% of this work is conducted in the field year-round, involving climbing or descending steep slopes, traversing various terrains over long distances daily, and performing heavy tasks such as lifting and digging.
• Long hours, exposure to extreme cold temperatures, and working outdoors in adverse weather conditions on a routine basis.
• Expected to conduct surveys during the year in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
• Irregular work schedules are often necessary to complete assignments.