Field Technician

Field technician on neonate ungulate capture project, University of Wyoming

The Monteith Shop at the University of Wyoming is seeking 3 enthusiastic field technicians to assist in field work assessing vertical transmission (i.e., from mother to offspring) of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in mule deer. This is a highly collaborative research project, in close partnership with other research groups at the University of Wyoming and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Technicians will work near Casper, Wyoming, in the beginning of the summer and near Kemmerer and Big Piney, Wyoming, at the end of the summer.

The primary responsibilities of each technician will be to find newborn mule deer to equip them with GPS collars and investigate the cause of mortalities when they arise. Adult female mule deer have been fitted with vaginal implant transmitters (VITs), which will inform efforts to find their offspring. Technicians will be expected to drive field vehicles (4×4 trucks and ATVs) on rugged roads, work closely in a 2-person team, and spend long days hiking through mountainous country in often extreme environmental conditions. Technicians will also be expected to safely handle and collect samples from newborn mule deer. After fawns are born, technicians will be expected to assist with a variety of other tasks, including vegetation surveys, data entry, examining camera trap photos, and more. The study area is a mix of private and public land, and technicians will be expected to interact respectfully and frequently with landowners.

Expected start date is 20 May 2021. The end date is flexible, but technicians will be expected to work until mid-to-late August. Housing will be provided, although technicians may be expected to camp while working. Technicians will not use their personal vehicles for any work-related activities, although personal vehicles will be necessary for time off. Compensation is $1400 per month.

Required qualifications:
–       Completed or in-progress degree in wildlife ecology, wildlife management, rangeland ecology, biology, ecology, or similar field
–       Ability to work well in a small team and to make good decisions in remote settings
–       Ability to and interest in hiking 5 – 12 miles per day in high desert environment
–       Flexibility in working irregular hours when fawns are being born
–       Valid driver’s license
–       Compliance with COVID protocols

Preferred qualifications:
–       Experience in radio telemetry and navigating using a GPS
–       Experience in newborn ungulate captures and animal handling (e.g., drawing blood)
–       Experience identifying the cause of mortality for newborn, young, and adult ungulates
–       Rangeland plant identification and vegetation surveys

To apply, please send a single PDF with a cover letter, resume/CV (can be more than 1 page and can highlight work outside of wildlife), and contact information for 3 references to Rhiannon Jakopak at caspermuledeer@gmail.com. In your application, please address your relevant experience, enthusiasm for wildlife ecology, and how this position might fit into your longer career goals. References should be able to speak to your ability to work in situations with little supervision and in small teams. Deadline to apply is February 23, 2022. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the positions will be filled as soon as suitable applicants are found. Applicants will receive a response that their application has been received.