Wildlife Technician I
Opening date: Jan. 18, 2023
Closing date: When filled
Salary: $14.55–$16.05 per hour
Location: Cedar City, UT
Time frame: April 24 – June 30, 2023 (possible extension)
Positions available: 2
Housing: Not provided
The Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife Resources, has two (2) seasonal bird surveyor position (no benefits) available in Cedar City, Utah. This appointment will run from April 24 to June 30, 2023, with the possibility of extending up to an additional five months. Housing is not provided.
Duties include
- Conducting avian point counts across the Mojave Desert, southern Great Basin and Colorado Plateau regions of southwestern Utah
- Traveling to predetermined survey sites, often in remote areas on dirt roads
- Camping multiple nights during a week, depending on work locations
- Recording presence of all bird species by sight and sound
- Conducting basic vegetation/habitat assessments
- Securing permission for access from landowners
- Proper and detailed recording and reporting of data
- Possibility of extending up to five months to conduct pika and pygmy rabbit
surveys (dependent on funding) - Potential for some crossover into Utah prairie dog work, if desired
Other considerations
- Weather conditions can vary greatly and quickly, from cold with snow (20° F) to extreme heat (105° F)
- Work schedules are typically 40 hours per week, but may increase during busy periods to 45 or 50 hours per week
- Some job sites may be in very remote locations with minimal cell service on rough dirt roads; technicians will be given satellite devices in case of an emergency
Job requirements and skills
- Experience with bird identification by sight and sound, preferably of western bird species
- Proficiency in data collection, data management and data entry techniques
- Ability to independently follow established protocols
- Ability to navigate using aerial photography, GIS and various types of maps
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to work in hot and dry weather conditions
- Ability to camp in remote locations
- Ability to hike moderate to difficult terrain in remote locations with minimal cell service
- Ability to work a flexible schedule with occasional long days (e.g., 12 hours) and early morning work (e.g., 5:00 am)
- Ability to work alone in remote locations unsupervised
Preferred additional qualifications
- B.S. in wildlife biology or related field
- Experience working with wildlife, particularly field work
- Experience with bird identification and surveying, especially bird ID by sound
- Familiarity with Survey 123 applications and handheld GPS units
- Proficiency with four-wheel drive vehicles
Applications
Interested applicants may apply by submitting a resume, cover letter and three references to Danielle Finlayson at dfinlayson@utah.gov. Please put “Wildlife Technician Application” in the subject of the email. If applicants have any questions about the position, please either email, call or text Danielle at 801-231-1911.
DNR complies with the ADA. Hearing-impaired employees who wish further information regarding this announcement may call the DNR TTY number at 801-538-7458. Disabled employees who desire reasonable accommodation in the interview process should contact the DNR Human Resources Office at 385-315-2834.
People and culture expectation
The successful applicant(s) will be expected to uphold the Division’s values of integrity, professionalism, accountability, teamwork and cooperation. The behaviors they embrace should set an example of professional and personal respect. Seasonal employees are expected to actively promote a workplace free of discrimination and harassment, as well as make good faith efforts to understand people as unique individuals with diverse life experiences, challenges and opportunities.
Roger Lewis became the Finance Director for DNR in April of 2017. His primary responsibilities include managing DNR’s finances and coordinating budgeting and accounting activities with DNR’s seven divisions. Lewis also oversees the internal audit function of the department.
Tyler Thompson has worked for DNR since 1997 starting his career as a seasonal employee collecting vegetation trend data for DNR’s Division of Wildlife Resources Range trend program. Since this time, Tyler has worked as a research biologist in the development of new grass and forb seed releases and as one of the first restoration biologists hired to implement projects in southern Utah funded through Utah’s Watershed Restoration Initiative (UWRI). For the last decade, Tyler has been a part of WRI’s statewide administration staff. In that position, Tyler helped find matching funding for WRI projects and administered the incoming and outgoing funding contracts to help get project dollars on the ground each year. In January of 2017, Tyler was selected as DNR’s watershed program director. Tyler coordinates and manages WRI through five regional teams that submit and review over 150 restoration projects each year. WRI completes nearly 100,000 acres of restoration work each year in Utah.
Todd Royce currently serves as the DNR law enforcement director and joined the department in 2018. Royce works closely with DNR division leadership and section chiefs to oversee the public safety efforts of DNR law enforcement, including wildlife conservation officers and state park rangers.
