Nonlethal Wolf Hazing Technician

Overview

The Young lab at Utah State University is seeking one (1) technician to assist with fieldwork on a collaborative project with USDA’s Wildlife Services and National Wildlife Research Center. The technician will work for a master’s student, assisting her with a study to identify if the use of small unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAS; AKA drones) is a viable nonlethal tool on carnivores, primarily focusing on wolves that are in proximity of or killing livestock. The two objectives are to: (1) test the effectiveness of drones as a hazing tool on wolves that are attacking livestock and (2) obtain a detection probability of wolves using drones. The position is expected to last six months, but the exact start and end date may vary.  Field housing will be provided in the form of a camper trailer that may be shared with the graduate student. Applicants should bring a sleeping bag, personal cookware (pots, pans, utensils), and other necessary personal items. 

Responsibilities

Work will primarily occur at night, with ~12-hour shifts for 3–4 consecutive nights. For the detection probability study, the technician will wear a suit to simulate wolf presence in designated plots while the drone pilots attempt detection under different canopy cover conditions. Additionally, the technician will assist in logistical planning and execution when the graduate student is the testing pilot to ensure an unbiased study design. During periods with wolf-livestock conflicts, the team will transition to “Night Watch,” a Wildlife Services term for monitoring and protecting cattle herds at risk of depredation by wolves. The technician’s primary role during these events will be to serve as the visual observer for pilots, ensuring they maintain line-of-sight with the drone to prevent accidents. An online visual observer course through the National Training Academy for USDA will be required, if hired.Additional fieldwork will include tracking wolf signs, setting up and maintaining camera traps, and communicating with local producers. Applicants MUST be comfortable working long hours at night and alone. A radio will be provided for communication.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Have or be working towards a degree in wildlife ecology/management, biology, natural resources, or a similar field. 
• Self-motivated, capable of working independently in remote settings alone at night, physically capable of conducting remote fieldwork, and comfortable with night shifts.
• Able to navigate using GPS units and/or OnX app.
• Good communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with landowners, recreationists, USDA personnel, and supervising graduate student. 
• Detail-oriented, organized, and have data management skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to follow directions including strict field protocols. 
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have a clean driving record. 
• Patience, attention-to-detail, adaptability, stamina (mental and physical), respect for others, professional behavior, and a positive team-player attitude. 
• Must complete an online visual observer course through the National Training Academy for USDA upon hiring.

  Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working and/or living with people or groups from differing backgrounds.
• Experience safely operating 4WD trucks and ATVs on dirt and gravel roads and hiking on and off-trail through rugged terrain in remote locations and at night.
• Certifications in wilderness medical care (Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder).
• Experience working with small unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAVS; AKA drones).

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV" 

2. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application 

3. Name and contact information for 2 professional references to be entered into Candidate Profile

 

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

$15.00 per hour

ADA

The position requires considerable physical activity. Employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position including heavy lifting (50 pounds) and/or pushing and pulling of heavy objects.  Employees must be prepared to assume uncomfortable positions such as crawling, kneeling, and squatting. Additionally, the work environment can include confined or narrow spaces. Employees must adhere to safety precautions and may be required to use protective equipment. Outdoors, incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold and be required to walk and/or stand for long periods of time.  

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