State of Wyoming
Black Rosy-Finch Survey Technician 2026-00033
State of Wyoming, Lander, Wyoming, United States, 82520
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking two Field Technicians to conduct alpine bird and mammal surveys in Wyoming’s high‑elevation mountain ranges, with a primary focus on Black Rosy‑Finches. These positions offer a unique opportunity to work in some of the most remote, rugged, and scenic terrain in the western United States while contributing directly to the conservation of rare alpine species.
Black Rosy‑Finches nest in steep, rocky terrain above treeline in Wyoming’s western mountains, which support an estimated 50% of the species’ global breeding population. The primary objective of this project is to develop a statewide population estimate using standardized protocols established by the Rosy‑Finch Working Group, while also surveying other alpine‑obligate birds and mammals.
Fieldwork will involve extensive off‑trail travel in challenging terrain, including point‑count surveys, overnight camping, and long‑distance backpacking. Work schedules will vary based on weather and field conditions and will require extended periods in the backcountry.
These are seasonal positions, expected to run from approximately June 1 through August 31, 2026.
Human Resource Contact: Dezzaree Schott / dezzaree.schott@wyo.gov
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Conduct surveys for Black Rosy‑Finches, American Pipit, American Pika, and other alpine bird and mammal species
Travel safely through rugged mountain terrain
Collect data with close attention to detail, following established protocols
Enter and proof data
Communicate with a variety of individuals to coordinate and conduct surveys, including agency personnel and volunteers
PREFERENCES / AGENCY REQUIREMENTS Preference will be given to those with a high school degree, plus 2 years of experience in fish and wildlife resource management, research, or habitat development, or 2 years of college coursework toward a baccalaureate degree in wildlife management or another closely related field.
Agency requires that the successful applicant must have a valid driver’s license.
KNOWLEDGE
Prior outdoor experience, such as fieldwork or backcountry camping, especially in high‑elevation alpine environments and rugged terrain
Mountaineering experience preferred, but not required
Experience conducting avian point‑count surveys using distance sampling protocols, identifying western bird species by sight and sound
Must be reliable, communicative, and able to work safely in remote locations and challenging conditions
Must pay close attention to detail, both in the field and the office
Experience using GPS and maps for navigation and data collection
Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to operate a 4WD vehicle
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS None – see "Preferences"
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Must be able to safely travel, camp, and conduct field surveys for multiple days in remote backcountry conditions, often in bear country, and potentially under adverse weather conditions
Must be able to hike and backpack long distances in rugged terrain
Work schedule will be variable and subject to change on short notice; this includes working long hours, early mornings, or weekends, as needed
This position will involve a considerable amount of time driving to and from field sites
NOTES
FLSA: Non‑exempt
Cover Letter: Applicants must submit a cover letter with the online application describing suitability for the job, prior experience, and dates of availability
Contact: For more information, contact Zach Wallace, Nongame Bird Biologist, at zach.wallace1@wyo.gov or (307) 335‑2613
Positions will begin June 1, 2026 and extend through August 31, 2026
Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check prior to appointment
Field survey equipment and vehicle will be provided
Positions are based in Lander, WY. Housing in Lander will not be provided. This position may require the use of hotels, for which the technician must initially pay and be reimbursed later
040-Game and Fish-Wildlife Division
Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.
Click here to view the State of Wyoming total Compensation Calculator.
URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm
The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.
Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Black Rosy‑Finches nest in steep, rocky terrain above treeline in Wyoming’s western mountains, which support an estimated 50% of the species’ global breeding population. The primary objective of this project is to develop a statewide population estimate using standardized protocols established by the Rosy‑Finch Working Group, while also surveying other alpine‑obligate birds and mammals.
Fieldwork will involve extensive off‑trail travel in challenging terrain, including point‑count surveys, overnight camping, and long‑distance backpacking. Work schedules will vary based on weather and field conditions and will require extended periods in the backcountry.
These are seasonal positions, expected to run from approximately June 1 through August 31, 2026.
Human Resource Contact: Dezzaree Schott / dezzaree.schott@wyo.gov
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Conduct surveys for Black Rosy‑Finches, American Pipit, American Pika, and other alpine bird and mammal species
Travel safely through rugged mountain terrain
Collect data with close attention to detail, following established protocols
Enter and proof data
Communicate with a variety of individuals to coordinate and conduct surveys, including agency personnel and volunteers
PREFERENCES / AGENCY REQUIREMENTS Preference will be given to those with a high school degree, plus 2 years of experience in fish and wildlife resource management, research, or habitat development, or 2 years of college coursework toward a baccalaureate degree in wildlife management or another closely related field.
Agency requires that the successful applicant must have a valid driver’s license.
KNOWLEDGE
Prior outdoor experience, such as fieldwork or backcountry camping, especially in high‑elevation alpine environments and rugged terrain
Mountaineering experience preferred, but not required
Experience conducting avian point‑count surveys using distance sampling protocols, identifying western bird species by sight and sound
Must be reliable, communicative, and able to work safely in remote locations and challenging conditions
Must pay close attention to detail, both in the field and the office
Experience using GPS and maps for navigation and data collection
Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to operate a 4WD vehicle
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS None – see "Preferences"
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Must be able to safely travel, camp, and conduct field surveys for multiple days in remote backcountry conditions, often in bear country, and potentially under adverse weather conditions
Must be able to hike and backpack long distances in rugged terrain
Work schedule will be variable and subject to change on short notice; this includes working long hours, early mornings, or weekends, as needed
This position will involve a considerable amount of time driving to and from field sites
NOTES
FLSA: Non‑exempt
Cover Letter: Applicants must submit a cover letter with the online application describing suitability for the job, prior experience, and dates of availability
Contact: For more information, contact Zach Wallace, Nongame Bird Biologist, at zach.wallace1@wyo.gov or (307) 335‑2613
Positions will begin June 1, 2026 and extend through August 31, 2026
Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check prior to appointment
Field survey equipment and vehicle will be provided
Positions are based in Lander, WY. Housing in Lander will not be provided. This position may require the use of hotels, for which the technician must initially pay and be reimbursed later
040-Game and Fish-Wildlife Division
Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.
Click here to view the State of Wyoming total Compensation Calculator.
URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm
The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.
Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.
#J-18808-Ljbffr