Wildlife Technician

SPECIAL NOTIFICATION: These positions are exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission. These job announcements will remain open until the positions have been filled. Applications will be periodically reviewed as they are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply and submit their applications as soon as possible.  

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking one (1) Wildlife Technician. This position will be located at the Clearwater Regional Office in Lewiston, Idaho. We have one (1) 8-month benefited position available. Applicants will be expected to work at least 40 hours per week. Temporary housing may be available for employees only. Pets will not be allowed.

Employment Dates are as follows:

July 13 -mid March

*Position start and end dates may be slightly flexible*

Why IDFG? We are a premier natural resource agency dedicated to preserving, protecting, perpetuating, and managing Idaho’s fish and wildlife for this great state. We are committed to creativity, innovation, and excellence as we cultivate opportunities for our customers to engage with our natural resources and become resource stewards for future generations. We are highly dedicated to our mission, committed to our team, and we know how to balance work/life commitments while loving the work we do. 

BENEFITED ASSOCIATED WITH THE POSISTION:

What We Offer: 

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Participation in one of the Nation’s best state retirement systems
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual that begins as soon as you start
• Eleven paid holidays in a year
• Eight weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Multiple saving plans-optional 401k and 457 plans
• Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance – state provided basic life insurance coverage and affordable supplemental plans
• Public Sector Student Loan Forgiveness (eligibility requirements may apply)
• Employee Assistance Program – confidential support, information, and resources for all of life’s challenges
• State and Department Wellness Programs
• Ongoing training opportunities

About the position:

The Clearwater Region is seeking one (1) Wildlife Technician to assist regional wildlife staff with management activities, which include Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) monitoring and sampling, depredation damage assessments, collared animal monitoring, wildlife population surveys, and other assignments as needed. The incumbent must be able to interact with the public in a professional and positive manner, work independently, and follow established protocols while accurately collecting biological samples and data. Applicants should be detail oriented, self-motivated, and safety conscious. Previous experience collecting biological samples, conducting field necropsies, and performing population surveys are preferred but not required.

With or without reasonable accommodation, incumbents must be able to lift and carry up to 65 lbs., stand for long periods of time, hike over rough and rugged terrain, safely drive for multiple hours per shift, work in adverse weather conditions, and be comfortable collecting samples from dead animals and interacting with the public.

The incumbent will typically work 40 hours with 2 days off per week. Work hours will vary depending on need and incumbents may often be required to work during weekends, evenings, and long shifts, occasionally with minimal supervision. Overnight fieldwork may be required.

Limited housing may be available.

Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities include:

• Assisting regional wildlife staff with management activities as needed, including collecting CWD samples from remote drop-off locations, hunter check stations, animals brought to the Lewiston regional office, and road-killed animals
• Data collection, management, and entry of biological samples, population data, and hunter participation information
• Assisting with assessing wildlife depredation damage, including vegetative biomass sampling and quantifying wildlife damage using aerial imagery and digitizing techniques, and working toward mitigation solutions
• Assisting with other wildlife management tasks as needed, including camera placement and retrieval, population surveys, monitoring collared ungulates, and conducting mortality investigations

Minimum Qualifications: (These qualifications are required)

• Knowledge of wildlife ecology and habitat requirements; and wildlife habitat evaluation and management practices.
• Experience recording, summarizing, and analyzing biological data.
• Valid driver’s license.

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will be self-motivated, able to carry out daily duties with little supervision, and have a strong work ethic. The candidate should be detail-oriented and capable of ensuring accurate data collection, entry, and management. Ability to perform field work in variable weather conditions and rough terrain is necessary. A good knowledge of wildlife management principles and practices; some college level classes in wildlife management is preferred. Proficient in the use of Microsoft applications and experience using GIS/GPS software is a plus. The technician must be able to work independently and as part of a team. Please be sure to include any experience in these areas that you may have within your application materials.

To learn more about the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, please see the following:

• (Video) Idaho Fish and Game – We Make It Happen

Thank you for applying with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game!