Mule Deer Field Technician, Monteith Shop University of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

Job Title: Mule Deer Field Technician

Organization: Monteith Shop, University of Wyoming

Location: Western Wyoming

Organization Overview: The Wyoming Range Mule Deer Project is a collaborative project between the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit of the University of Wyoming and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The overarching goal of this project is to evaluate how a variety of factors shape population dynamics of mule deer to provide a mechanistic approach to monitoring and management. The project addresses questions relating to how nutritional relationships among seasonal habitat conditions, behavior, human disturbance, climate, and disease shape population dynamics of mule deer. The study area is located in the southern region of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in western Wyoming at 7,000 – 10,000 feet in elevation.

Position Overview: The primary tasks for these positions include capturing, collaring and monitoring of neonate mule deer, performing field necropsies to evaluate cause-specific mortality of neonates, collecting monthly fecal samples from adult ungulates throughout the study area, and recording vegetation survey data. These tasks will require candidates to use GPS units, radio telemetry, 4WD vehicles, and maintain accurate database information on a daily basis. Work schedules are irregular and include long days and weekend work, especially at the beginning of the field season. During the neonate capturing period (late May thru early July), work is characterized by long days/nights with little time off. Following the neonate capture period, a more regular work schedule will be established to allow technicians to enjoy summer in the Rocky Mountains. The study area is mountainous and remote, so long days of hiking in difficult terrain will be frequent. Workdays typically entail 5-15 miles of hiking per day – most of which is off-trail and can be up to 2,000 feet in elevation gain. Accommodations while in the field will be provided in the form of wall tents and/or field houses. Weather conditions throughout the summer can be variable and adverse weather conditions are to be expected.

Expected start date is 15 May 2022. The end date is flexible, but technicians will be expected to work until mid-to-late August. Housing will be provided, although technicians may be expected to camp while working. Technicians will not use their personal vehicles for any work-related activities, although personal vehicles will be necessary for time off. 

 Required Qualifications: 

  • Completed or in-progress degree in wildlife ecology, wildlife management, rangeland ecology, biology, ecology, or similar field
  • Ability to work well in a small team and to make good decisions in remote settings
  • Ability to and interest in hiking 5 – 12 miles per day in high desert environment
  • Flexibility in working irregular hours when fawns are being born
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Compliance with COVID protocols

Desired Qualifications: 

  • Experience in radio telemetry and navigating using a GPS
  • Experience in newborn ungulate captures and animal handling (e.g., drawing blood)
  • Experience identifying the cause of mortality for newborn, young, and adult ungulates
  • Rangeland plant identification and vegetation surveys

Start/End dates: May 15- September 9

Salary/pay: $1400/month

Application Deadline: February 8

How to apply: Please email a cover letter describing your interest in the position, resume detailing your qualifications, and contact information (email addresses and phone numbers) for three references in ONE PDF FILE to the following contact: Rebekah Rafferty (rraffer1@uwyo.edu). Please include “Wyoming Range Mule Deer Technician” in the subject line of the email. 

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