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 4 technicians to assist in the capture and handling of bats. These technicians will: (i) organize, repair, and maintain mist netting gear; (ii) safely travel to remote locations for fieldwork; (iii) put up and take down mist nets, including single and triple-high setups; (iv) capture, handle, ID to species, sex, and collect samples from live bats; (v) record a variety of data in detail; (vi) strictly adhere to decontamination protocols to prevent the spread of the causative agent of white-nose syndrome among field sites; (vii) maintain a positive, inclusive, and healthy dynamic among members of the team.   

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:  

  • Mist netting and handling of bats – preference will be given to individuals who have completed the pre-exposure series of rabies vaccines 
  • Gentle, patient, and kind demeanor, particularly while handling wildlife  
  • Meticulously organizing and recording accurate data that contributes to a larger scientific study  
  • 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  

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  
  • Ability to navigate with a map, compass, and GPS  
  • Competency in identifying vegetative communities in the Northern Great Plains region  

Terms of Appointment: These positions will begin May 19,2025, and will run through August 10, 2025, with the opportunity to extend as funding allows. Technicians will be paid between $16.34-$19.00/hr and will work alongside the PhD student or the lead handling technician for 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, team members may be expected to camp in closer proximity to field sites as needed. All team members 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 are committed 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 Technician 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.