Wildlife Biology Intern

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Announcement:

Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• References

Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on March 22, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Special Information:

Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.

Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION (PAY, PER DIEM, HOUSING, VEHICLE, ETC):

$17.00/hr. with per diem at the state rate when in the field.  No housing is provided, but overnight accommodations could be provided on occasion at Wildlife Management Area bunk houses or in camper trailers. A state vehicle will be available for work.  There is no overtime, paid holidays, or additional compensation for working on holidays or weekends for this position.

Specific Job Information:

The intern will assist Wildlife Mitigation Program staff with the Western Montana Sharp-tailed Grouse (STGR) Restoration Project by monitoring reintroduced grouse in western Montana. The focus of the position is on monitoring survival, searching for nests and broods, and assessing habitat use of translocated STGR using and comparing multiple technologies including VHF tracking and genetic sampling. The internship will assist with development and field-testing tracking systems, use receivers and antennas to triangulate positions of STGR with transmitters, with careful attention to protocols and data collection, working with a graduate student. There may be the opportunity to assist with other field surveys if time and logistics permit.

This position will be based in Region 2 and the majority of fieldwork will be within 2 hours of Missoula. There may also be opportunities to travel to other Regions. The intern will work collaboratively with wildlife biologists at FWP, collaborators, and private landowners. This internship requires excellent communication skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with landowners. We are looking for an individual who can work independently with minimal supervision, is detail-oriented, and interested in gaining experience learning and using a variety of field skills in support of wildlife restoration and monitoring. 

Field experience is not a requirement, but preference will be given to applicants with prior experience with data collection, data entry, and course work in statistics or experience with data analysis.  Applicants must have the ability to make detailed observations and work under difficult field conditions (e.g. heat, biting insects, working at night, etc.).  Preference will be given to applicants with genuine enthusiasm, interest in learning new techniques, and those working towards a career in wildlife biology or a related field.  Applicants should be able to follow oral and written directions accurately, be organized, and work well with other biologists or volunteers.  Social skills will be required to interact with private landowners and coordinate with other agencies. 

Applicants must be physically fit and willing to camp overnight on occasion (interns should provide their own personal camping gear).  Applicants must hold a valid driver’s license.   

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

Must be currently enrolled in a college or university.