Biological Technician

Position:  Biological Technician

Location:  Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Reports To: Senior Wildlife Biologist; Yellowstone National Park and Chief People Officer; Yellowstone Forever

Status:  Full-time / Non-Exempt

Summary Description:

Yellowstone Forever (YF) is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. Our mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance Yellowstone National Park through education and philanthropy. YF connects people to Yellowstone through outstanding visitor experiences and educational programs and translates those experiences into lifelong support of the park and philanthropic investment in its future. Our educational programming and products help people enhance their understanding and appreciation of the wildlife, natural wonders, and cultural history of the park. YF’s operations include Park Stores in and around Yellowstone; the Yellowstone Forever Institute, which offers in-depth educational programing for people of all ages; and a supporter program which raises funds for priority park projects.

The Biological Technician plays a critical role in research, conservation, and management of wildlife and the determination, establishment, and application of the biological facts, principles, methods, techniques, and procedures necessary for the conservation, management, and control of wildlife. This position is in Yellowstone National Park and works with Yellowstone Center for Resources Senior Wildlife Biologist with the Yellowstone Wolf, Cougar, and Elk Projects. The purpose of the position is to perform a wide variety of biological science technical support functions. Responsibilities of this position include gathering biological data and providing in-depth research in a remote, backcountry environment. Execute conventional projects using complex techniques and unusual skills, participate responsibly with the unit lead in various phases of the research or biological resource research and management process. Success in this position requires demonstrated passion and proficiency for data observation, collection, and results.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Track, observe, and record data on wolves, elk, cougars and birds in the field using telemetry and optics;
• Organizes, schedules, and executes a wide variety of established natural resource management projects. Plans field projects, independently choosing from among several possible courses of action at different stages of each project
• Collects and organizes field data using standardized data collection procedures and equipment
• Makes field observations of natural resource conditions. Evaluates observed conditions and problems, and interpret variables, trends, correlations, and interrelationships among data and conditions
• Prepares draft project reports which include literature research, descriptions of methods, preliminary data analysis, graphs and charts, results, and recommendations for planning, protection, and mitigation activities. Provides written comments on environmental assessments, resource management plan reviews, and park planning documents
• Provides logistical support and area orientation for contract or cooperating scientists; provides technical information, ensures quality control, and solves logistical or operational problems
• Installs, operates, and maintains resource management equipment (e.g., tools, traps, and sampling, monitoring, photographic, and laboratory equipment). Inventories equipment, evaluates quality assurance compliance, and calibrates equipment as necessary. Orders replacement parts, new equipment, and supplies.
• Provides advice, assistance, and training to students, student conservation assistants, and volunteers involved in resource management projects and field research
• Utilizes a variety of computer programs to compile, reduce, store, retrieve, analyze, and report data and other resource management information, including research and long-term monitoring projects. Maintains and organizes computer databases
• Provides information to other employees and visitors about the natural resource management program. Develop and present related interpretive programs to the public
• Function safely in an outdoor setting in inclement weather
• Educate and interact with park visitors in formal and informal settings
• Synthesize information gained from fieldwork with co-workers and supervisor by entering data, preparing summary figures, and report writing
• Function and communicate effectively on a team
• Represent Yellowstone Forever and its mission accurately and positively
• Foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment with YF employees, volunteers, and partners
• Travel into Yellowstone, throughout the Greater Yellowstone area and other areas as required. 

Basic Qualifications: 

· Team player with excellent oral and written communication skills;

· Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment;

· Proven ability to quickly learn and apply new systems, processes, and applications;

· Self-motivated with a sound approach to problem solving and timely task completion;

· Ability to sometimes work a flexible schedule, which may include nights and weekends when needed;

· Ability to learn and utilize techniques used to safely perform wildlife necropsies;

· Ability to work with little supervision and as part of a team for extended periods of time;

· Ability to use GPS and topographic maps for backcountry navigation;

· Ability to backpack with a load up to 50 pounds and be self-contained in extreme weather conditions;

· Ability to represent YF in a courteous and professional manner;

· This position involves driving vehicles, therefore applicants must hold and maintain a valid US driver’s license, and maintain a favorable driving record for insurance purposes;

· A satisfactory criminal background check is a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications: 

· A bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution, or equivalent experience;

· Experience working in a non-profit environment;

· Knowledge of Yellowstone National Park and northern Rocky Mountain environments;

· Experience speaking to the public about controversial wildlife issues;

· Experience working, camping, and hiking in a remote backcountry setting.

Compensation:

This is a full-time, non-exempt position, which will be based in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Travel between the offices and throughout the park may be required. Pay rate is $24.41 per hour, with overtime at time and a half. Benefits of this position include knowing that your efforts directly benefit Yellowstone National Park and having the opportunity to work in one of the world’s premiere wilderness areas.

Yellowstone Forever is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, political beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.