Agency: Montana State University (Bozeman, MT)

Location: wetern Montana

Dates: approx. June 01–October 31 (2 positions) or August 17-October 31 (2 positions)

Salary: $16.34/hour, 40 hours per week

Job Description:

The selected candidates (2 positions for 5 months, 2 positions for 3 months) will assist with an intensive effort to retrieve and deploy camera traps co-located with scent dispersers throughout western Montana. These stations are used to monitor marten populations, evaluate marten habitat selection, and quantify the impacts of forest disturbance on marten occupancy. Retrieval will occur in The Great Bear Wilderness and the Whitefish Range from June 01–July 31, followed by deployment of monitoring stations in the Sapphire and Anaconda Ranges and the Madison and Gallatin Ranges from August 17–October 31.

This field work is extremely physically and mentally challenging. Technicians will hike long distances in challenging environments (steep terrain, thick vegetation, bear habitat) to retrieve and deploy monitoring stations, often in remote areas of western Montana. Technicians will be expected to safely climb trees using tree spikes or steps to deploy bait stations 15 ft off the ground. Technicians also will be expected to fill, carry, and deploy scent dispensers full of particularly strong-smelling lure and assist with various other aspects of the project. Pay is $16.34/hour with the opportunity for overtime. There may also be an opportunity to return in spring 2027 to assist with additional camera retrieval.

Two candidates are needed from June 01–October 31 (5 months), and an additional two candidates are needed from August 17–October 31 (3 months). Typical work weeks will be Monday–Friday, with some weekend work required. Retrieval efforts will be based out of Kalispell, MT, while deployment efforts will be based out of Missoula, MT or Bozeman, MT. Much of the work will occur in backcountry settings accessed by hiking from front-country base camps. Field technicians will typically be camping during the work week, primarily in front-country locations, with occasional multi-night camping in the remote backcountry. Shared housing near the study sites may be provided.

Required Qualifications: Applicants must be able to hike 10-15 miles per day in rugged, mountainous terrain, while carrying heavy packs (30–50 lbs). Much of the travel is off-trail and very challenging. Field technicians should be organized and able to follow rigid protocols, record detailed data in the field, and navigate using maps, compasses, and GPS devices. Additionally, technicians must have strong communication skills and the ability to work well within a team.

Preferred Qualifications:  Preferred candidates will have prior experience deploying camera traps, safely working in bear country (preferably grizzly bears), as well as a background in wildlife biology, ecology, or a related science; however, people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to candidates who are available for the entire field season.

To apply: Please send: 1) a cover letter focused on your interests and how you meet the required and preferred qualifications and 2) your resume with contact information for 3 references to Nolan Helmstetter, nolanhelmstetter@montana.edu. Please submit these materials as a single file labeled as “last_name_first_name_marten_technician” (e.g., Doe_John_marten_technician).

In your email. please indicate whether you are interested in applying for the 5-month position, 3-month position, or either. The deadline for applications is March 16, 2026.