Elk Ecology Field Technician

Starting Date: May 11–18, 2026 

Ending Date: August 15, 2026 or June 30, 2026 (depending on assignment; TBD) 

Application Deadline: Rolling applications; priority deadline approximately April 10, 2026 

Position Description: The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), the Nevada Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (NVCFWRU), and the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) are seeking one field technician to assist with elk research and other wildlife-related duties. The technician will work closely with NVCFWRU staff for a six-week research phase to study Seasonal Elk Mortality Syndrome (SEMS), and then the technician will likely transition to be an NDOW technician for the remainder of the appointment. 

During the research phase, duties include assisting a graduate student with: (1) necropsies and mortality investigations of elk; (2) vegetation surveys to assess species occurrence, trace minerals, and toxic plants; (3) monitoring GPS-collared elk, and (4) conducting adult elk captures. Following this phase, the technician will assist NDOW with Game Division fieldwork needs for the remainder of the summer. 

Job Conditions: During the research phase, the technician should expect to hike 1–15 miles daily in steep, uneven terrain (often off-trail) while carrying a pack weighing up to 40 lbs. Housing will be provided as tents or a wall tent in a remote area near field sites (Independence, Tuscarora, and the Bull Run Mountains), alongside the graduate student. Following this phase, the technician is responsible for securing their own housing for the remainder of the position in Nevada. 

Project Description: The research conducted during the initial research phase aims to investigate the causes of unexplained springtime mortality in elk populations in northern Nevada, referred to as Seasonal Elk Mortality Syndrome (SEMS), which has contributed to localized population declines. The project will evaluate potential drivers of SEMS, including trace mineral deficiencies, emerging diseases, toxic plants, patterns of space use, and landscape-scale factors. 

Qualifications:  

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Currently working toward or having completed a degree in wildlife studies, ecology, natural resources, environmental management, or a related field
• Experience handling deceased mammals

Desired Qualifications:  

• General knowledge of flora, or experience with plant identification
• Experience navigating in backcountry environments
• Experience conducting necropsies and mortality investigations
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with collaborators or landowners
• Ability to communicate effectively and make decisions in challenging field settings
• Familiarity with ecological data collection methods
• Experience driving safely on rough, unpaved roads for extended periods