Wildlife Technician IV

Hiring Preference: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is an Equal opportunity employer. Consistent with federal law, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians applies Indian preference in employment. It is the policy of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians to give preference in hiring, promotions, and transfers into vacant positions to qualified applicants in the following order: 1) Kalispel Tribal Members; 2) Descendant or Spouse of an enrolled Kalispel Tribal Member; 3) enrolled members of other Indian Tribes; 4) all other applicants. At-Will Employment: Employment with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians is at-will and can be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, either at the option of the employee or the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. Drug Testing: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is a drug free workplace. All applicants are subject to drug testing at the time of hire and at unannounced times during employment. Background Investigation: All candidates and employees may be subject to a background investigation. 

Summary of Functions

The Wildlife Technician IV assists in completing a variety of complex field tasks and is responsible for the implementation of projects associated with the management and research of wildlife. This includes performing all the technical tasks listed in the lower series with the added responsibilities for assigning and overseeing the work of less experienced technicians. The incumbent works closely with wildlife biologists, other technical staff and field supervisor to determine and identify management opportunities and alternatives to protect, monitor and enhance wildlife. The main responsibilities of this position will be the field implementation of the waterfowl banding project, bighorn sheep project, and CWD program, with other projects as time permits. Work elements include, but are not limited to, managing waterfowl banding activities, assessing habitats for wildlife for habitat improvements, managing in field data collection while conducting various surveys for multiple species and habitats, assisting in overseeing the CWD programs collection of samples and data management, bighorn sheep captures and population assessments.  This position requires fieldwork in remote areas under all weather conditions and may include work hours that start before dawn or continue late into the evening.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

• The incumbent will be a self-initiator under reduced supervision. 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

• No supervision is exercised but may be responsible for assigning and overseeing the work of less experienced technicians.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Organizes and implements programs/projects consistent with planning criteria and contract obligations. 
• Operates waterfowl banding sites including banding efforts, baiting, trapping, data collection and management.
• Conducts annual surveys for waterfowl, common loon, mourning dove, grouse, goshawk, bighorn sheep, deer etc...
• Conducts wildlife inventories including winter snow track surveys on snowmobile, remote motion camera deployment and scenting.
• Assists with the capture and assessment of bighorn sheep populations including ground truthing, remote camera operation and range assessments.
• Collects Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) samples from roadkill, hunter harvest and kiosks while interacting and educating the public about CWD.
• Assists in the management of databases for wildlife surveys, research inventories and CWD sample collection.
• Assists in collection of biological information related to wildlife resources using established procedures and protocols.  Examples are species and vegetation, waterfowl banding, small mammal trapping, deer and elk post-harvest composition surveys, fawn surveys.
• Collects data on wetland, lake, riparian, and upland habitats for use in assessment of its suitability as wildlife habitat.
• Assists in habitat enhancement projects such as planting grass, forbs, shrubs, and/or trees; assists with the use of heavy equipment and other techniques to restore or enhance wetlands and wetland hydrology.
• Maintain and operate project equipment to complete assigned tasks in a safe and efficient manner.
• Provides information on project inventory and supplies as they are used on the projects.
• Reports to the duty station on time and with the necessary clothing/equipment necessary for work.
• May assist with or perform other work as required. 

RECRUITING INDICATORS

Knowledge of:  General principles and procedures of biological data collection, waterfowl biology and ecology, wildlife management, food and habits of wildlife species, wildlife and habitat ecology, basic fence construction, vegetative planting techniques, noxious and invasive weed control measures; property management and equipment use.

Ability to:  plan daily, monthly and yearly, use standard field equipment; follow directions, write clearly; perform a variety of outdoor work in inclement weather; operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle, snowmobile, ATV/UTV, and farm equipment; operate chainsaws and power tools. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s Degree in an applicable science in wildlife, forestry, or fisheries research/ management (must submit transcripts) OR;
• An AA Degree in the applicable science AND 3 years of experience in wildlife, forestry, or fisheries research/management (must submit transcripts for credit) OR;
• HS Diploma or GED AND 8 years related experience in wildlife, forestry, or fisheries research/management.         

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be in good physical condition to be able to work and hike in inclement weather conditions and over variable and rugged terrain.
• Ability to identify waterfowl species by sight, including age and sex of species.
• Ability to identify ungulate species by sight, including ag and sex of species.
• Must be able to collect biological samples from deceased animals.
• Must be able to work variable hours, long days, early mornings, holidays and weekends as projects dictate. 
• Must be able to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License and be eligible for the Tribe’s insurance and adhere to the vehicle policy. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment for Natural Resources staff is multifaceted. Outdoor conditions make it necessary to be able to work and hike in inclement weather conditions and over variable and rugged terrain. Work could include in water wading, boating (e.g. netting, electrofishing) and other on-water work.  Potential exists for interactions with wild animals, bees, and other natural hazards.   Indoor work can require long periods of sedentary work interfacing with others in meetings or completing reporting or data entry at a computer station. Work may also require specific specialized equipment operation (i.e., snow machines, tractors, etc…), regional travel, and overnight stays

Disclaimer: Certain Licenses and Certification requirements can be obtained once hired.