Natural Resource Technician - Wildlife Biology Tech

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Working Title:

Natural Resource Technician - Wildlife Biology Tech

Institution:

Bemidji State University

Classification Title:

NR Tech Wildlife

Bargaining Unit / Union:

207: AFSCME - Technical

City:

Bemidji

FLSA:

Non Job Exempt

Full Time / Part Time:

Full time

Employment Condition:

Classified - Temporary (Fixed Term)

Salary Range:

$24.02 - $34.84 **5 POSITIONS WILL BE FILLED **

POSITION LOCATION : Cloquet, MN

JOB/TYPE / SCHEDULE: Temporary Full-time / Non-exempt / Grant Funded / Working irregular hours including early mornings, nights, and weekends.

TELEWORK ELIGIBLE : No

PAY / SALARY RANGE: Depends on Qualifications; current pay range is $24.02 - $33.86 per hour.

Bemidji State University (BSU) invites qualified applicants to join our team as a Wildlife Biology Technician. In this grant-funded position, the Wildlife Biology Technician will assist project investigators with field-based research projects relating to wildlife capture, monitoring, and management. The Wildlife Biology Technician will perform difficult work assignments independently and as part of a research team. They may be responsible for certain operations in specific types of wildlife research activity but will usually work under the general direction of a supervisor who assigns and inspects work in progress and upon completion. The employee has latitude for the use of independent judgement for routine operations or in emergency situations. Difficult technical decisions are the responsibility of the supervisor. Work is reviewed through field inspections, review of records, reports and work accomplishment.

Responsibilities of the Wildlife Biology Technician include:

• •Implementing census, surveys, and monitoring of wildlife populations. Percent of Time: 35 %
• •Conducting field surveys; Performing surveys for wildlife species using various methods, including visual observation (transects, point counts) and remote cameras.
• •Applying population tracking techniques; Using methods like mark-and-recapture, radio telemetry, or GPS tagging to monitor animal movement, dispersal, and survival.
• •Assessing habitat conditions; Evaluating and documenting habitat quality, including vegetation composition, food and water availability, and potential disturbances.

• •Collecting data and assisting with data analysis so that proper resource management decisions can be made. Percent of Time: 35 %
• •Recording field data; Using specialized devices, such as GPS units and field computers, to precisely record the location and details of observations, captures, and samples.
• •Handling biological samples; Collecting and properly processing biological samples, such as blood, tissue, or hair, for laboratory analysis related to genetics or disease testing.
• •Performing data entry; Transcribing field notes and collecting data into digital formats, ensuring accuracy and consistency.

• •Collaborating and arranging for the maintenance and repair of field equipment and vehicles to effectively and efficiently carry out research objectives. Percent of Time: 20 %
• •Conducting preventative maintenance; Regularly inspecting and servicing field vehicles, boats, ATVs, and equipment like traps, cameras, and radio telemetry receivers.
• •Coordinating with repair specialists; Communicating with mechanics or specialized technicians to schedule and oversee complex repairs for vehicles and scientific instruments.
• •Managing equipment inventory; Keeping track of all field gear, ensuring that all necessary equipment is available, functional, and properly calibrated before field assignments.
• •Constructing and modifying equipment; Building or adapting specialized equipment, such as enclosures or capture devices, to meet specific research needs.

• •Performing related wildlife research work as required. Percent of Time: 10 %
• •Establishing sampling protocols; Designing and following systematic and rigorous protocols to ensure consistent and accurate data collection over time.
• •Documenting and recording observations; Maintaining detailed and organized field journals, logs, and databases of all survey data.
• •Using statistical software; Employing statistical programs (e.g., R, SAS) to analyze population trends, distribution patterns, and other ecological data.
• •Creating reports and visualizations; Summarizing findings by preparing charts, graphs, and written reports for internal review and for presentation to stakeholders or the public.

Minimum qualifications for this position include:

• •Applied knowledge of the principles and practices of specific wildlife needs, the management techniques necessary to meet those needs in the study areas of interest, wildlife identification and aging techniques, habitat needs of various species, population dynamics, and census and survey methods.
• •The ability to work independently without direct supervision.
• •The ability to work irregular hours including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• •The ability to safely operate snowmobiles and ATVs in remote field settings.
• •The ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• •The ability to keep records and write reports.
• •The ability to do physically demanding work in outdoor conditions (including cold, heat, and biting insects).

Preferred qualifications include:

• •A bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology or closely related field.
• •Experience with safe capture, handling, and chemical immobilization of wild animals, particularly white-tailed deer
• •Working knowledge of wildlife management laws, policies, procedures, and planning practices, including Tribal wildlife regulation.
• •The ability to perform basic maintenance and minor diagnostics/repair of field vehicles including 4-wheel drive trucks, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, and trailers.
• •A demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence, equitable opportunities, mutual understanding and respect, and the success of all students and employees, as reflected through teaching, service, scholarship, and collaboration with diverse learners and colleagues.

To facilitate the review, assessment, and evaluation process, please ensure that your application and/or resume clearly demonstrate fulfillment of the minimum and preferred qualifications of the position. The application materials submitted will be utilized for salary placement purposes.

Other considerations:

• •All applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States at the time of an offer of employment. We are not currently providing sponsorship for employment-based visas.
• •Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) bargaining unit, which can be found at: https://mn.gov/mmb/employee-relations/labor-relations/labor/afscme.jsp .
• •In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MinnState) Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, faculty and staff driving on college/university business, who use a rental or state vehicle, shall be required to complete a vehicle Use Agreement form and conform to MinnState’s vehicle use criteria and consent to motor vehicle records check annually.

BSU is a tobacco free workplace (see policy) .

Inquiries about the position :

Jacob Haus, Associate Professor of Biology

Phone: 218-755-4372

Email: jacob.haus@bemidjistate.edu

If you have general questions about this posting or submitting an application or bid, contact Mary Miller at mary.miller@bemidjistate.edu .

UNIVERSITY / COMMUNITY

WHY BEMIDJI:

It’s more than a job. It’s an opportunity for the extraordinary.

On the idyllic shores of Lake Bemidji, cradled among the limitless natural beauty of the North Woods and neighbored by Minnesota’s three largest Indigenous nations, Bemidji State University offers opportunities for the extraordinary.

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