Natural Resource Technician – Wildlife Biology Tech

State of Minnesota - MN St Colleges & Universities; Bemidji (MN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Bemidji State University invites qualified applicants to join our team as a Wildlife Biology Technician. This grant-funded position supports field-based wildlife research, including capture, monitoring, and management activities.

The technician will conduct surveys, use tracking methods, collect data, and maintain equipment, working irregular hours and occasional travel. A bachelor's degree in wildlife biology is preferred.

Qualifications

• Applied knowledge of wildlife biology and census methods.
• Ability to work independently and handle irregular hours.
• Proficiency with field data collection and basic data management.

Responsibilities

• Conduct census, surveys, and monitoring of wildlife populations.
• Perform field surveys using transects, camera surveys, and observation methods.
• Apply tracking techniques such as mark-recapture and GPS tagging.
• Maintain and repair field equipment and vehicles.
• Record data and support data analysis for resource management.

Skills

Wildlife biology

Field surveys

Data recording

Education

Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology

Tools

GPS devices

R (statistics)

Job description

Job Details

Working Title: Natural Resources Technician 1 Wildlife Biology Tech

Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Wildlife

Agency: Minnesota State

• Job ID: 97302
• Location: Bemidji
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/05/2026
• Closing Date: 10/13/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: MN St Colleges & Universities / Bemidji State Univ-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: MnSCU Bemidji SU / MnSCU BSU Class M&E Payroll
• Appointment Type: Temporary, Full-time
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Working irregular hours including early mornings, nights and weekends.
• Days of Work: Working irregular hours including early mornings, nights and weekends.
• Travel Required: Some travel maybe required.
• Salary Range:$24.02 1
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 10 Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: Cloquet, MN
• Anticipated Start Date: December 14, 2026
• End Date: April 6, 2027
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work youll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY (BSU)invites qualified applicants to join our team as a Wildlife Biology Technician. In thisgrant-fundedposition, the Wildlife Biology Technician will assist project investigators with field-based research projects relating to wildlife capture, monitoring, and management. The Wildlife Biology Technician will perform difficult work assignments independently and as part of a research team. They may be responsible for certain operations in specific types of wildlife research activity but will usually work under the general direction of a supervisor who assigns and inspects work in progress and upon completion. The employee has latitude for the use of independent judgement for routine operations or in emergency situations. Difficult technical decisions are the responsibility of the supervisor. Work is reviewed through field inspections, review of records, reports and work accomplishment.

Responsibilities of the Wildlife Biology Technician include:

• Implementing census, surveys, and monitoring of wildlife populations.

• Conducting field surveys; Performing surveys for wildlife species using various methods, including visual observation (transects, point counts) and remote cameras.

• Applying population tracking techniques; Using methods like mark-and-recapture, radio telemetry, or GPS tagging to monitor animal movement, dispersal, and survival.

• Assessing habitat conditions; Evaluating and documenting habitat quality, including vegetation composition, food and water availability, and potential disturbances.

• Collecting data and assisting with data analysis so that proper resource management decisions can be made.

• Recording field data; Using specialized devices, such as GPS units and field computers, to precisely record the location and details of observations, captures, and samples.

• Handling biological samples; Collecting and properly processing biological samples, such as blood, tissue, or hair, for laboratory analysis related to genetics or disease testing.

• Performing data entry; Transcribing field notes and collecting data into digital formats, ensuring accuracy and consistency.

• Collaborating and arranging for the maintenance and repair of field equipment and vehicles to effectively and efficiently carry out research objectives.

• Conducting preventative maintenance; Regularly inspecting and servicing field vehicles, boats, ATVs, and equipment like traps, cameras, and radio telemetry receivers.

• Coordinating with repair specialists; Communicating with mechanics or specialized technicians to schedule and oversee complex repairs for vehicles and scientific instruments.

• Managing equipment inventory; Keeping track of all field gear, ensuring that all necessary equipment is available, functional, and properly calibrated before field assignments.

• Constructing and modifying equipment; Building or adapting specialized equipment, such as enclosures or capture devices, to meet specific research needs.

• Performing related wildlife research work as required.

• Establishing sampling protocols; Designing and following systematic and rigorous protocols to ensure consistent and accurate data collection over time.

• Documenting and recording observations; Maintaining detailed and organized field journals, logs, and databases of all survey data.

• Using statistical software; Employing statistical programs (e.g., R, SAS) to analyze population trends, distribution patterns, and other ecological data.

• Creating reports and visualizations; Summarizing findings by preparing charts, graphs, and written reports for internal review and for presentation to stakeholders or the public.

Minimum qualifications for this position include:

• Applied knowledge of the principles and practices of specific wildlife needs, the management techniques necessary to meet those needs in the study areas of interest, wildlife identification and aging techniques, habitat needs of various species, population dynamics, and census and survey methods.

• The ability to work independently without direct supervision.

• The ability to work irregular hours including early mornings, nights, and weekends.

• The ability to safely operate snowmobiles and ATVs in remote field settings.

• The ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.

• The ability to keep records and write reports.

• The ability to do physically demanding work in outdoor conditions (including cold, heat, and biting insects).

Preferred qualifications include:

• A bachelors degree in wildlife biology or closely related field.

• Experience with safe capture, handling, and chemical immobilization of wild animals, particularly white-tailed deer

• Working knowledge of wildlife management laws, policies, procedures, and planning practices, including Tribal wildlife regulation.

• The ability to perform basic maintenance and minor diagnostics/repair of field vehicles including 4-wheel drive trucks, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, and trailers.

• A demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence, equitable opportunities, mutual understanding and respect, and the success of all students and employees, as reflected through teaching, service, scholarship, and collaboration with diverse learners and colleagues.

Qualifications

Application Details

How to Apply

To view the full job posting and to apply please go to: https://minnstate.wd115.myworkdayjobs.com/Minnesota_State_Careers/job/Bemidji/Nat-l-Resource-Tech-Wildlife-Biology-Tech_JR0000005843

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Mary Miller at [e-mail] or 218-755-2084.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Mary Miller at [e-mail].

About Minnesota State

Minnesota State is making a difference. From the students we serve, to our business partners, to those we employ, chances are good you or someone you know has benefited from the work of your state colleges and universities. It is the core value of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to provide an opportunity for all Minnesotans to create a better future for themselves, for their families, and for their communities.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesotas State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you75e have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave

• 12 paid holidays each year

• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans

• Fertility care, including IVF

• Diabetes care

• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children

• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children

• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)

• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury

• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care

• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

Other Information

Employment information for this position can be found in its collective bargaining agreement or its plan document at http://mn.gov/mmb/employee-relations/labor-relations/Labor/.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State is an equal opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.