Overview

This program conducts research and management of black bears and other furbearer species, such as bobcats, coyotes, and beavers. Program biologists monitor the harvests of furbearer species for which hunting and/or trapping are allowed. They conduct research on the population status, reproduction, food habits, and habitat use of furbearers and bears. They propose regulation changes for the hunting and trapping of furbearers and bears.

A substantial portion of the program responsibilities includes assisting the public with inquiries regarding wildlife, particularly addressing human-wildlife conflicts. This ranges from providing advice by phone or email to on-site live-trapping efforts.

The Resource Assistant will conduct office work, lab work, and field work.
This positions length is approximately 6 months, no more than 1,040 hours. This position is first shift, up to 40 hours per week working a typical work week of Monday to Friday, with some weekend and evening work.

The pay rate varies from $13.00 to $17.00 per hour depending on education and experience. There are no benefits or housing provided.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Enters and organizes data into computer files, including furbearer sighting reports, necropsy data, bear and bobcat capture and handling data, and furbearer harvest reports.
  • Answers phone calls and emails from the public. Records sightings and provides technical assistance, particularly advice on resolving human-bear conflicts.
  • Conducts radio-telemetry on collared bears and bobcats. Orients to, and examines, specified field locations to locate and determine sites of predation, denning, or study-animal mortality.
  • Transports and sets bear traps at sites of human-bear conflicts. Assists with chemically immobilizing, tagging, and aversively conditioning black bears.
  • Locates and retrieves reported vehicle-killed bears and furbearers and assists with necropsies.
  • Assists in organizing field equipment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The preferred candidate will possess:

  • Experience in wildlife biology/management or natural resources;
  • Experience with radio-telemetry;
  • Experience with chemical immobilization of wildlife;
  • Experience with hand-held GPS units;
  • Experience addressing human wildlife conflicts.