Wildlife Technician (emphasis on non-game species) – Salmon, Idaho

Job Description: Job duties will center on alpine surveys for a suite of Idaho’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Surveys require overnight backpacking to survey locations, alone, in some of Idaho’s most remote and rugged terrain. Focal species include Black Rosy-finches, Whitebark Pine, insects, amphibians, American Pika, Hoary Marmots, Mountain Goats and Bighorn Sheep. The position will also help out other wildlife diversity program projects as well as support other wildlife staff needs in the region. There may be travel to other parts of Idaho to conduct surveys as well.

Primary job requirements include: Solo backpacking experience and a comfort with solo backcountry work, ability to navigate off-trail in remote, densely-vegetated, steep and rugged landscapes using topographical maps and GPS units, ability to carefully navigate rough, unmaintained roads in a 4WD vehicle, ability to work independently (alone ≥90% of the time) in remote areas for the duration of the field season, excellent bird ID skills and willingness to brush up on Idaho alpine bird species prior to starting employment (especially must be able to identify Black and Gray-crowned Rosy-finches), careful and accurate data collection/entry/management, and strong interpersonal skills for communicating and working effectively with program managers and co-workers. With or without reasonable accommodations, incumbents must be able to stand for long periods of time, lift up to 60 pounds, pack up to 40 pounds for 5+ miles, walk up to 15 miles a day along trails and cross-country, hike over rough and rugged terrain, safely drive for multiple hours per shift, and work in all weather conditions, including adverse weather. Incumbents will work 40 hours per week minimum. Incumbents must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license. Must accommodate a flexible schedule (holidays, weekends, and nights) and be willing to work for 10 consecutive days.

Additional beneficial attributes: Experience conducting avian point counts particularly for western birds, familiarity with how to use a compass and an InReach unit, familiarity or experience riding horses and mules and operating an ATV, willingness to be flexible, ability to self-motivate and self-manage, desire to learn new skills, willingness to work alone in landscapes occupied by apex predators and/or venomous wildlife (bears, mountain lions, rattlesnakes).

Note 1: These are non-benefited positions. $13.42/hr. Start and end dates are flexible but must be available June - Aug at the minimum. Housing is NOT provided. Start and end dates of employment are somewhat flexible. Technicians must provide most of their backpacking gear however a tent, binoculars, inReach, GPS, water filter and jetboil can be provided by the employer.

Note 2: The physical and mental demands of this position cannot be emphasized enough; the incumbent will be backpacking alone for two months straight and this can become mentally and physically taxing. However, the applicant is still expected to stay safe, make good decisions and complete work tasks as instructed.

To Apply: visit this website and follow instructions in the job posting; https://idahoworks.gov/jobs/1654608

Hiring Contact info: Tempe Regan, tempe.regan@idfg.idaho.gov