Wildlife Technician I
Opening date: Jan. 3, 2025
Closing date: Jan. 19, 2025
Salary: $15.58 per hour
Location: Cedar City, Utah
Time frame: March 24–Oct. 10, 2025
Positions available: 3
Housing: Not provided
The Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife Resources, has three (3) nonbenefitted Utah prairie dog technician positions available in Cedar City, Utah. This appointment will run from March 24 to Oct. 10, 2025. Housing is not provided.
Utah prairie dogs are listed as federally threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The species has a history of conflict with humans, particularly in urban and agricultural settings. The Division of Wildlife Resources works to help manage and recover the species.
Successful applicants will conduct field operations in support of the Range-wide General Conservation Plan for Utah Prairie Dogs and the Utah Prairie Dog Recovery Plan in southwest Utah.
Vehicles, uniform shirts and other equipment needed to accomplish required tasks will be provided.
Job duties
- Counting Utah prairie dogs via binoculars and scopes
- Mapping active areas of Utah prairie dog colonies
- Trapping, handling, and translocation of Utah prairie dogs
- Recording data for Utah prairie dog counts, trapping, translocation, and monitoring using ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123, and paper data sheets
- Applying Deltamethrin insecticidal dust to Utah prairie dog burrows
- Performing development surveys for the presence/absence and burrow locations of Utah prairie dogs
- Potentially assisting with anesthetizing Utah prairie dogs and swabbing Utah prairie dog burrows for a sylvatic plague study
- Other miscellaneous tasks benefitting the Utah prairie dog program
- Assisting with other wildlife work (limited opportunities)
Considerations
- Weather conditions vary greatly, from cold (20° F) to hot (105° F) temperatures, with heavy rain and recurring afternoon thunderstorms
- Work schedules are usually 40 hours per week, but may be 45 to 50 hours per week during peak season
- Technicians will be working a few weeks in remote locations with minimal cell service on rough dirt roads
- Technicians will be based out of Cedar City, except for when staying at field housing for four weeks in the spring and up to four weeks in the summer (groceries are provided while staying in field housing)
- Technicians will be working in the field at least 95% of the time, with limited office tasks
Job requirements and skills
- Proficiency in data collection and data entry
- Capacity to use an iPad to accurately record data in ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123
- Ability to work independently and follow protocols and instructions
- Competence with navigating and orienteering
- A valid driver’s license
- Capacity to work with peanut-based baits
- Fortitude to work long hours in hot and dry weather conditions with a positive attitude
- Excellent communication skills
- Flexibility to work early mornings (e.g., starting at 6 a.m.) and long days (e.g., 12 hours)
- Willingness to hike moderately difficult terrain in remote locations with minimal cell service and ability to carry up to 40 lbs. for short distances over uneven terrain
- Resourcefulness when working alone in remote locations unsupervised
- Ability to stay in field housing (Monday–Friday) for four weeks during the spring and up to four weeks in during the summer
Preferred additional qualifications
- B.S. in wildlife biology or related field
- Experience working with wildlife, particularly field work
- Experience with small mammal surveying and trapping
- Experience using binoculars and scopes
- Familiarity with the ArcGIS Field Maps app, the Survey123 app, OnX apps, handheld GPS units and iPads
- Capacity to handle contentious situations with the public
- Proficiency with four-wheel drive vehicles
Applications
Interested applicants should email a resume, cover letter and at least three (3) references as a single PDF document to Barbara Sugarman at [email protected]. Please put “Wildlife Technician Application” in the subject of the email.
If you have any questions about the position, please email, call or text Barbara at 435-691-2401.
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.