Agency: Montana State University (Bozeman, MT)

Location: The Great Bear Wilderness and Whitefish Range, MT

Dates: September 1 2025 – October 31 2025 (approx.)

Salary: $16.34/hour, 40 hours per week

Job Description:

The selected candidates (2 – 4 positions) will assist with an intensive effort to deploy camera traps co-located with scent dispersers throughout The Great Bear Wilderness and Whitefish Range in NW Montana. These cameras are being deployed to monitor marten populations, evaluate marten habitat selection, and quantify the impacts of forest disturbance on marten occupancy. This field work is extremely physically and mentally challenging. Technicians will work on foot, hiking long distances in challenging environments (steep terrain, thick vegetation, bear habitat) to deploy cameras, often in remote areas of NW Montana. Technicians will be expected to safely climb trees using tree spikes or steps to deploy bait stations 15 ft off the ground. Technicians will also be expected to fill, carry, and deploy scent dispensers filled with 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 2026 to assist with camera retrieval.

The position will begin ~September 1 and end ~October 31. Typical work weeks will be Monday-Friday, with some weekend work required. This research project will be based out of Kalispell, MT. A large portion of the work will be conducted in backcountry settings that often will require overnight camping; front country camping also will be necessary on occasion. Shared housing in Kalispell, MT may be provided.

Required Qualifications: Applicants must be able to hike 15-20 miles per day in rugged, mountainous terrain, while carrying heavy packs (often >50 pounds). 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, 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 3 references to Nolan Helmstetter, [email protected]. Please submit these materials as a single file labeled as “last_name_first_name_marten_technician” (e.g., Doe_John_marten_technician). 

We will begin reviewing applications early in June 2025, and will continue until candidates are selected.