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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Wildlife Division

This is a summary of duties and qualifications for most of our career positions. It is not a listing of current vacancies.


Conservation Aide

Seasonal/Temporary Pay Band: $17,722-$22,152

Summary of Work: Under close supervision performs a variety of tasks to assist with wildlife-related field projects.

Examples of Duties: Conducts routine field observations and surveys; records observations made by others; compiles and enters data for subsequent computer analysis; captures animals to be marked for field studies and maintains field equipment. Many of these positions are seasonal or temporary.

Qualifications: Working knowledge of routine wildlife field methods; skill in the use of specialized equipment, especially telemetry equipment and devices to capture animals; must be able to follow written and verbal instruction; make accurate observations; maintain effective working relationships with others; and work effectively in potentially adverse circumstances of weather, terrain and handling wild animals. Applicants must have the equivalent of a high school diploma and two to three years of relevant experience.


Conservation Technician

Technical Pay Band: $21,266-$26,583

Summary of Work: Under general supervision performs a variety of tasks to assist with wildlife-related field studies. May act as lead worker over conservation aides. May work independently on assigned portions of a larger project.

Examples of Duties: Designs and conducts routine field observations and surveys; compiles and enters data for subsequent computer analysis; analyzes and interprets routine information; captures animals to be marked for field studies; maintains field equipment; and supervises others who perform these tasks. Assists with preparation of project reports. Many of these positions are seasonal or temporary.

Qualifications: Considerable knowledge of routine wildlife field methods and procedures; skill in the use of specialized equipment, especially telemetry equipment and devices to capture animals; must be able to follow written and verbal instructions; make accurate observations; compile and analyze data accurately; maintain effective working relationships with others; and work effectively in potentially adverse circumstances of weather, terrain, and handling wild animals.

Research Assistant requires the equivalent of a high school diploma and four years of relevant experience.


Research Specialist

Professional Pay Band: $27,666-$34,583

Description of Work: Under general supervision performs all phases of wildlife-related projects, within a limited scope. Wildlife research and wildlife management activities are conducted according to established methodologies and project work plans. Individual initiative and innovation in carrying out job responsibilities are encouraged. Research specialists maintain equipment and records, cooperate with other department personnel and personnel of other agencies, and work with landowners.

Example of Duties: Collects, compiles and analyzes data obtained from wildlife and wildlife habitat surveys, investigations and research; reviews and may edit scientific literature, writes technical draft reports and articles; presents wildlife information and programs to the public; responds to game damage complaints; and interfaces with a wide variety of people with a wide range of backgrounds. Many of these positions are seasonal or temporary.

Qualifications: Working knowledge of the biology of wildlife populations and the principles of wildlife management; scientific techniques used in investigations of plant and animal communities; methods of statistical analysis; and writing skills. Ability to design and implement basic scientific research projects; to work outdoors in adverse working conditions; to be physically able to perform assigned duties; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public and to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. No work experience is required, but a minimum of one year of experience is preferred. Research Specialist (Professional Pay Band) requires the equivalent of a bachelor's degree in wildlife management or a closely related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.


Wildlife Biologist

Professional Pay Band: $33,200-$41,500

Description of Work: Responsible for field level phases of wildlife management and/or research within an assigned area or on an assigned project. Conducts wildlife research and wildlife management activities according to established methodologies and project work plans. Collects and analyzes data related to the management of game populations, upland birds, furbearers, endangered species and non-game animals and their habitats; works cooperatively with other department personnel and personnel of other state and federal agencies; makes hunting season recommendations and provides wildlife information to the public. In addition to the technical aspects of wildlife management, wildlife biologists deal extensively with the public and must have good communication skills and the ability to establish rapport with many different kinds of people. Individual initiative and problem-solving abilities are also important in effectively addressing complex wildlife issues.

Example of Duties: Collects, compiles and analyzes biological data obtained from wildlife and wildlife habitat surveys according to accepted statistical procedures; writes technical reports, progress and project completion reports and articles; reviews and comments on plans and project proposals developed by other agencies, corporations and private organizations; makes formal and informal presentations to professional and public forums; conducts public participation processes; responds to game damage complaints and recommends preventative and control measures to landowners; provides technical assistance to landowners regarding habitat improvement or development; applies appropriate statistical methodologies in designing sampling techniques and analyzing and presenting data; and negotiates with landowners to secure hunter access to private lands.

Qualifications: Working knowledge of the biology of wildlife populations and the principles of wildlife management; scientific techniques used in investigations of plant and animal communities; methods of statistically valid study assign and data analysis; and writing skills. Ability to design and implement scientific research projects; work outdoors in adverse working conditions; to be physically able to perform assigned duties; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public and to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. No work experience is required but a minimum of one year of experience is preferred. Applicants must have a master's degree and a completed thesis project in wildlife management or closely related biological science.

 


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