Project: Coeur d’Alene salamanders (Plethodon idahoensis) are the only known species of Plethodon (lungless) salamanders in the state of Montana. This species is considered imperiled in the state of Montana as well as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and Species of Greatest Inventory Need (SGIN). This is, in large part due to limited information about this species, including its distribution in the state, population size, and specific habitat needs and availability. In 2022 Montana Natural Heritage program completed a habitat preference model which identified potential habitat in Montana, and FWP developed methods to detect site occupancy with eDNA (Coltrane et al. 2026). This PhD project will build upon previous research on Coeur d’Alene salamanders in Montana to fill gaps in our knowledge and better understand the status and requirements for the persistence of this species in Montana. This project is a collaboration between Montana State University and Montana, Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP); crew members will be employees of Montana State University.

Job Description: We are seeking 2 technicians to assist with surveys, captures, and genetic sample collection from salamanders. Technicians will work in crews of 2-3 with a lead technician/protocol lead.  They will work with members of each crew to (i) access selected sites; (ii) safely conduct surveys for and capture Coeur d’Alene salamanders; (iii) collect genetic samples (tail clippings) from salamanders with proper PPE, sterile protocols, and handling protocols; (iv) collect morphometric measurements from salamanders; and (v) strictly follow decontamination protocols to ensure clean samples and mitigate the spread of disease among individuals. Technicians will also be responsible for (i) maintaining a positive and respectful attitude that contributes to healthy team dynamics; (ii) following all field safety protocols and communicate clearly to prioritize safety in the field; and (vii) communicating personal and professional needs to project leads.   

Location: These positions will be based out of Libby Montana. Field work will be conducted in the Lolo, Bitterroot, and Kootenai National Forests and Montana State Trust Lands in FWP Regions 1 and 2. Technicians will be expected to work in conditions that include (i) weather extremes (heat, cold, storms); (ii) working on slippery, steep, and variable terrain at night and in low-light conditions and following proper safety protocols to mitigate risk. Technicians will work in grizzly bear country and will be expected to follow bear safe protocols while camping and working. Technicians will camp as field sites and may be required to backpack into more remote sites for 3-5 days. Communities in Northwest Montana are rural, and technicians will be living and working in a community whose members may not share the same political, social, or religious beliefs.

Required Qualifications:   

Successful candidates should possess the following experience and abilities:  

  • Experience safely working (or recreating) in remote, backcountry field conditions.

  • High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

  • Strong communication and decision-making skills to minimize risk to self and others.

  • Willingness to work long hours in adverse conditions and at night/in low-light conditions while maintaining group and personal safety

  • Willingness to work at night schedule (and sleep during the day) while camping in remote and front-country.

  • Willingness to work and live with a small group and maintain healthy group dynamics.

  • Kindness, patience, and flexibility for teaching and learning from group members.

  • Enthusiasm to engage in thoughtful dialogue with group members, land managers/researchers, and the public as a representative of FWP and Montana State University.

  • Willingness to actively seek and implement feedback.

  • Aptitude for boosting team morale while working in harsh conditions.

  • Must have a valid driver’s license.  

Desired Qualifications:   

  • Completion of at least 1-2 seasons of field work (experience safely handing wildlife preferred).

  • Previous experience handling amphibians or other wildlife

  • Experience working safely in bear country.

  • Completion of, or currently working towards, and degree in wildlife biology/management, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.

  • Previous experience working highly independently

  • Ability to navigate with a GPS, map, and compass

If you feel you possess additional skills/qualifications, please consider applying to our lead technician position.

I am committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in our field. Therefore, if you believe you possess some, but not all, of the qualifications listed above, please consider applying. This position is intended to provide an opportunity for gaining field experience in the ecological field, if you believe you possess the interpersonal skills listed above, but not all the technical skills, please also consider applying.

Terms of Appointment: These positions will begin mid-May 2026, and will run through mid-October 2026 with some flexibility on end date to accommodate student schedules. Technicians will be paid $16.34 with overtime paid at $24.51. Field schedules will be variable and will include days off, but we will work around 80 hours/biweekly. Field housing will be provided for all members of the team in the housing in the form of a cabin about 45 minutes outside of Libby Montana. This cabin will have running water, a full kitchen, electricity, and WIFI. The field crew will be expected to camp in proximity to field sites as needed, with the possibility of some backpacking trips. All team members are responsible for providing their own food and for travel to our housing outside of Libby. However, in the absence of a personal vehicle, we also may be able to arrange carpooling. State vehicles will be provided for official work duties.

To Apply: Please email a cover letter, resume or CV, and three references (with contact information) to: lydia.diehl@montana.edu with the subject line “LastName, Salamander Technician 2026”. The application deadline is February 20, 2026. Applicants should expect to hear back within 2 weeks of the application deadline. In your cover letter please explain (i) what skills and qualifications (both technical and interpersonal) you possess that relate to the position, (ii) why you believe work in this field is important, and (iii) how this position will further your educational, professional, and/or personal goals. Please email me (lydia.diehl@montana.edu) with any questions regarding your application.