Project: In 2016, the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) was detected in northeastern Montana for the first time since 1978. Since then, state and federal agencies have been working to better understand the true distribution of this species in the state, as well as its ecological needs. This information has become an increasing priority as the northern long-eared bat was uplisted to Endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 2023. This PhD project will build on previous research efforts to characterize the distribution of the northern long-eared bat in Montana, quantify the levels of effort for determining true absence of the species at the edge of its range, and contribute to a better understanding of population dynamics for this species in northeastern Montana.  

Job Description: We are seeking 1 lead technician to assist in the capture and handling of bats. The lead technician will also supervise technicians and participate in a variety of other activities including: (i) organizing, repairing, and maintaining mist netting gear; (ii) safely travelling to remote locations for fieldwork; (iii) putting up and taking down mist nets, including single and triple-high setups; (iv) capturing, handling, ID-ing species and sex, and collecting samples from live bats; (v) recording a variety of data in detail; (vi) strictly adhering to decontamination protocols to prevent the spread of the causative agent of white-nose syndrome among field sites; (vii) maintaining a positive, inclusive, and healthy dynamic among members of the team; (viii) effectively communicating personal and professional needs to the project leads.   

In addition to these responsibilities, the capture lead will assist in: (i) coordinating the field schedule and capture locations; (ii) ensuring the safety and well-being of the capture team; (iii) maintaining an awareness of capture gear needs and requesting additional gear in a timely manner; (iv) delivering timely and effective feedback to members of the team and the PhD student; (v) acting as a mentor to members of the team; (vi) supervising the team on the safe handling of bats, including strictly adhering to all protocols; (vii) making essential decisions to minimize risk in the face of changing field conditions. 

Location: These positions will be based out of Glasgow, Montana. Work will be conducted in the Missouri and Yellowstone River drainages, with potential to expand as the field season progresses, depending on time and logistics. This field location is in rural, northeastern Montana; work will be conducted in the Northern Great Plains on both public and private land. As such, candidates should be prepared for (i) a land of extreme weather (heat, storms, winds); (ii) encountering venomous wildlife, ticks, and an abundance of mosquitoes; and (iii) living 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:  

  • At least 1-2 prior seasons of capturing and handling bats 
  • Completion of the pre-exposure series of the rabies vaccine 
  • Gentle, patient, and kind demeanor, particularly while handling wildlife  
  • Maintaining a high level of organization and commitment to rigorous scientific inquiry   
  • Safely working or recreating outdoors, safely operating 4WD vehicles on muddy, low maintenance roads  
  • Working at night in a small team, in adverse weather conditions while maintaining a positive attitude and sense of humor  
  • Maintaining a healthy community dynamic among a diverse group of people with a variety of beliefs  
  • Engaging in thoughtfulness in speech, particularly when communicating among members of the team, with landowners, or with members of the public  
  • Actively seeking and implementing feedback  
  • Sound risk management decision-making 
  • Strong communication skills  
  • Maintaining empathy for, and emotional awareness of, team members’ wellbeing  
  • Aptitude for boosting team morale in harsh field conditions  

Desired Qualifications:   

  • Possess, or currently working towards, a degree in wildlife biology or management, ecology, environmental science, or a related field  
  • Prior experience mist netting and handling bats in the Northern Great Plains region  
  • Prior experience PIT tagging and applying temporary markings to bats 
  • Ability to navigate with a map, compass, and GPS  
  • Competency in identifying vegetative communities in the Northern Great Plains region  

Terms of Appointment: This position will begin May 5,2025, and will run through August 10, 2025, with the opportunity to extend as funding allows. The capture lead will be paid between $18.38-$22.00/hr and will be expected to work four, ten-hour days per week, with potential for overtime. Field housing will be provided for all members of the team in the form of a large, shared bunkhouse or a shared trailer (with shared rooms as comfort levels allow). Depending on the location of fieldwork, candidates may be expected to camp in closer proximity to field sites as needed. All positions will be responsible for purchasing their own food and funding their travel to Glasgow. However, in the absence of a personal vehicle, we may be able to coordinate carpooling from Bozeman to Glasgow.   

Agencies: Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT; Glasgow Field Office, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Glasgow, MT; Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP).  

To Apply: We arecommitted to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in our field. Therefore, if you possess 75% of the required qualifications above, please consider applying. We are particularly passionate about hiring “whole people” (and not exclusively those that possess the technical abilities for this position); therefore, if you possess the interpersonal qualities listed above, and some, but not all, of the technical qualifications, please also consider applying.  

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three references to: caraliebrewer@montana.edu using the subject line “Lastname Capture Lead 2025”. The application deadline is March 15, 2025; candidates should expect to hear back from our team within 1-2 weeks of this deadline for interviews. In your cover letter, please describe: (i) what skills and qualifications (both interpersonal and technical) you possess relative to the position description; (ii) your connection to, and/or passion for, the land we will be working on; and (iii) how this position will help you further your personal or career goals.