Wildlife Technician

Full Job Description

Job Overview
The primary focus of the work will be conducting breeding bird surveys, monitoring raptor nest success (Golden Eagles, Kestrels and others), and recording data for a long-term monitoring program. The technician will also assist with Pinyon Jay surveys, MOTUS tower installation, data management, and analysis. The technician may also be required/can assist with other wildlife surveys as well. The position is part time (20 hrs/week) for half the year (approx. Oct. – Feb) and full time for the other half (40 hrs/week) (field season approx. March – Sept.). Schedule is generally four 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday during the field season and somewhat flexible during the winter months, with an opportunity to occasionally telework. Some additional flexibility in hours will be required for surveys needing to be performed early in the morning or later in the evening during the field season. Anticipated start date is March 9, 2026.

The Ideal Candidate

• Avian Expertise: Can identify birds of the Mountain West by sight and sound and has experience conducting standardized breeding bird surveys. (More than one year of experience is preferred).
• Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel for data entry and management.
• GIS & Navigation: Skilled in using GPS, maps, and compass for navigation. Ability to operate and create maps in ArcPro/ArcMap is preferred.
• Physical Proficiency: Capable of hiking in steep, rugged, and heavily vegetated terrain in hot, dry conditions while carrying up to 20 lbs of equipment.
• Vehicle Operation: Comfortable operating ATVs/UTVs on unmaintained dirt roads and trails.
• Analytical Ability: Possesses strong data management and quantitative analysis skills; interest in potential publication is a plus.
• Professionalism: Self-motivated, attentive to detail, and able to communicate information clearly and concisely in writing.

Why You Should Join Our Team
You will get the chance to work in an outdoor environment on a property that very few get a chance to see. Valuable field and analysis experience using a variety of methods with multiple taxa. Opportunities to gain experience in the natural resource field in areas that are of interest to you. This position works Four – 10 hour days, allowing you to have 3 days off/week. Pay is competitive. There will be plenty of opportunities to get into the outdoors and breathe fresh air. If time allows, you receive 1 hour of paid physical fitness per 10-hour day. You will become part of a small but close-knit team striving to make a positive difference for the environment. You will get to see how a productive ecosystem is important to the military’s readiness and training program.

The Agency
Click here for more information about the Utah National Guard.

Requirements

• Surveying & Monitoring: Navigate to existing avian points/plots to conduct point count-based breeding bird surveys and Pinyon Jay surveys.
• Raptor Management: Follow precise protocols for monitoring existing raptor nests (Golden Eagles, Kestrels, and others) and survey for new nests and nesting behavior.
• Specialized Fieldwork: Assist in installing and maintaining MOTUS towers.
• Bird Handling: Capture and band birds, specifically raptors.
• Wildlife Tracking: Use telemetry to locate animals and collect spatial data.
• Data Analysis: Analyze, summarize, and review data to report findings, interpret results, and make management recommendations.
• Pattern Recognition: Identify data and information suggesting developing patterns of problems or trends that may require further investigation.
• Reporting: Write or draft technical reports, articles, or related material based on research and investigation.
• Mapping: Produce basic maps and process spatial data using GIS software.

Qualifications

identify birds of the mountain west by sight and soundfollow written protocols and literature, attention to detailstrong data management skillsself-motivated and able to work alone in possibly adverse conditionsdeal with people in a manner that shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalismcommunicate fluently in Englishcommunicate information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing; read and understand the information presented in writingevaluate information against a set of standardsoperate applicable specialized equipmentfollow/develop research methods, techniques, and/or sources of informationoperate a computer using MS excel, word, and ArcMapenter, transcribe, record, store, or maintain information in either written or electronic form.

Additional Information Obtained or worked toward a B.A. or B.S.

in wildlife, biology, conservation, or a related field.Must be willing and able to work in a hot, dry climate and able to hike cross-country in steep, rocky, heavily vegetated sites carrying up to 20 lbs of equipment.

Additionally, Camp Williams is an active military training range with special safety concerns.Must pass a background check and maintain a good driving record; must have current government-issued (U.S.

- federal or state) picture id.