Owl Field Technician

The Owl Research Institute in western Montana is hiring a field technician for the 2026 breeding season. The position will begin on March 1 and end on July 15 (some flexibility possible).

Job Opening : Field Technician

Description:

The Owl Research Institute in western Montana is hiring an experienced field assistant for the 2026 nesting season. The position will begin on March 1 and end on July 15 (some flexibility). There may be options to extend the position through the summer or fall for the right candidate.

Field techs will work closely with senior owl researchers and also have responsibilities involving coordinating and training volunteers and interns.

The main research species will include Great Gray, Short-eared, Long-eared, and Northern Pygmy owls. Some time may also be spent on Northern Saw-whet, Western Screech, Flammulated, Great-horned, Barred, and Boreal owls.

Activities will include nocturnal and crepuscular owl surveys, ARU deployment, nest searching, nest monitoring, remote camera traps, capture and banding, habitat assessments, pellet analysis, behavioral observations, and more. Rigorous and accurate data collection and data entry will be expected. Equipment and grounds maintenance, public outreach, educational programs, presentations, data analysis and writing will also be part of this position.

Hours will often be long and variable, including late nights (7pm – 2am), early mornings (5am – 8am), and long days. One – two full days off per week will be granted. Some overnight travel may be required.

Some experience is required, but field technicians will also gain many skills throughout the season and work on a variety of projects with different habitats and owl species. The best applicants will show enthusiasm for owl field research, eagerness to learn, strong work ethic, and a good attitude.

Researchers and technicians will also be encouraged to complete a small independent project throughout the season, culminating in a report or poster.

Shared housing is provided at the field station in Charlo, MT. Researchers have access to shared field vehicles, but occasional use of personal vehicles may be necessary (gas reimbursed).

Location:

Based out of Charlo, MT and traveling daily up to a 100 mi radius

Compensation:

DOE $2000 – $2700 per month

Shared housing is provided by the Owl Research Institute at no cost

Top applicants will possess the following qualifications:

• Enthusiasm for owls, wildlife, nature and conservation
• Previous experience with wildlife research (raptors preferred)
• Coursework in wildlife biology or a related field, or a proven interest in wildlife research
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail, including nest searching in forests and acute sense of hearing
• Ability to identify Montana owl and raptor species by sight and sound
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
• Flexibility to work long and irregular hours for extended periods while keeping a good attitude
• Comfortable hiking and navigating off-trail in steep terrain and carrying up to 30lbs
• Ability to use GPS and other navigational tools
• Strong physical fitness, including the ability to hike up to 10 miles in a day
• Experience working effectively outdoors at night, in harsh weather conditions, with biting insects, and in grizzly bear country
• Respectful communication skills with teammates and the public
• Detailed and accurate data recording, data management and data entry skills
• Experience operating 4WD vehicles, ATVs, pulling trailers and clean driving record preferred
• Ability to live alongside others in shared housing