Lead Research Biologist/Future Leadership Position For Org.

The Owl Research Institute (ORI) is a small, nonprofit, field-based research organization located in Charlo, Montana. ORI is among the most active owl research groups in the world, conducting year-round, long-term research and monitoring on multiple species of owls in Montana and Alaska. We also support additional research efforts nationally and internationally through small targeted grants and equipment donations.

ORI seeks a highly qualified Lead Research Biologist with a broad and demonstrated skill set spanning both field and administrative responsibilities. This position requires a candidate who is equally capable in rigorous field research and the operational demands of managing long-term scientific studies.

The candidate must demonstrate strong expertise in field methodology and data collection. A substantial background working with owls over multiple years is essential. While ORI conducts research year-round, the breeding season requires extended hours in challenging conditions, including both daytime and nighttime fieldwork in variable weather.

In addition to fieldwork, this role requires strong administrative and leadership capabilities. Responsibilities include securing permits, preparing annual reports, hiring and supervising seasonal staff and interns, mentoring or supporting graduate students, and coordinating volunteers. The candidate must communicate effectively across all levels of the organization and represent ORI professionally in public settings and public speaking, including presentations to community groups and academic research groups. It is essential the candidate be a strong capable leader and exercise a collaborative team-oriented approach.

The ideal candidate is self-motivated, disciplined, and maintains a consistently positive and professional attitude. The candidate must be capable of making sound, sometimes difficult decisions while maintaining fairness and integrity.

The candidate must be comfortable operating SUVs, ATVs, and snowmobiles, towing trailers, and working in remote settings, including extended stays in camper trailers. Basic mechanical knowledge is advantageous, but not required. Physical activities such as hiking, tree climbing, snow-shoeing, and cross-country skiing are daily aspects of the work. This is not an office or desk job, it is at least 60-70% field work and 40-30% office/administrative work.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review ORI’s research programs at www.owlresearchinstitute.org, as well as the 2025 newsletter to gain a clear understanding of the scope and expectations of this position. 

This position is part of a planned leadership transition. ORI President Denver Holt intends to relinquish oversight of research programs over the next five years while remaining actively involved as an advisor. The selected candidate will work closely with Denver Holt during this transition and ultimately assume leadership of ORI’s research portfolio.

The candidate must also collaborate with ORI leadership on grant writing, fundraising, budgeting, communications, and organizational development.

Compensation and Terms:
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience in both field research and administration. This position includes a six-month probationary period, which may be extended up to a total of 12 months.

REQUIREMENTS:

• PhD, Master’s degree, or equivalent professional experience (10 years +) in wildlife biology, ecology, environmental studies, or a related field
• Thorough understanding of the scientific method
• Thorough understanding of wildlife sampling techniques
• Proficiency in data management, statistical analysis, modeling, and visualization software
• Demonstrated experience capturing, banding, and marking owls or other birds
• Strong foundation in ecology, ornithology, mammalogy, and wildlife management
• Knowledge of small mammal ecology
• Experience or understanding of diurnal and nocturnal owl survey methods
• Ability to integrate traditional boots on the ground field research with modern technology