Elk Field Technician - Wildlife Research (Temp)

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Middle River (MN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Field housing available

Job summary

Two full-time, temporary Elk Technician positions at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will support a study of elk life history, including adult and calf survival and habitat use. The team will conduct field work, capture elk to attach GPS collars, and collect habitat data at Thief Lake WMA with travel to Grygla, Karlstad, and Canadian sites.

Work shifts vary, including early mornings and evenings, and field housing is provided at no cost.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to follow written protocols and collect biological data in wildlife field settings.
• Demonstrated ability to move over uneven terrain for long distances using maps and GPS units.
• Ability to safely handle wild elk for biological sample collection and GPS collaring purposes.
• Knowledge of common vegetation and habitat sampling techniques.
• Communication skills sufficient to relay or receive technical information and record field data.
• Skill in standard software office programs for creating/editing documents, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Ability to drive 4WD trucks on snow/mud roads and operate snowmobiles/ATVs.

Responsibilities

• Capture adult elk and collect biological and observational data in the field.
• Enter data into datasheets, tablets, and databases for analysis.
• Maintain field equipment and assist with helicopter capture operations as needed.

Skills

Biology data collection

GPS navigation

Field safety

Communication

Data entry

Driving 4WD

Snowmobiles & ATVs

Education

Bachelor's degree in wildlife/ecology/natural resources

Tools

GPS units

Maps

Field data tablets

Datasheets

Job description

Two full-time, temporary Elk Technician positions at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will support a study of elk life history, including adult and calf survival and habitat use. The team will conduct field work, capture elk to attach GPS collars, and collect habitat data at Thief Lake WMA with travel to Grygla, Karlstad, and Canadian sites.

Work shifts vary, including early mornings and evenings, and field housing is provided at no cost.