Description

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. This lead technician will supervise technicians with the following responsibilities: (i) safely access study sites and assess their feasibility for mist netting; (ii) 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.   

In addition to these responsibilities, the lead technician 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) effectively communicating needs back to the project lead; (v) delivering timely and effective feedback to members of the team and the project lead; (vi) acting as a mentor to members of the team; (vii) supervising their team on the safe handling of bats, including strictly adhering to all IACUC guidelines, without direct supervision; (viii) 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. 

Terms of Appointment: This position will begin May 11,2026, and will run through August 17, 2026, with the opportunity to extend as funding allows. The capture lead will be paid $18.38/hr with overtime at $27.57/hr and will be expected to work four, ten-hour days per week, with optional overtime. Field housing will be provided for all members of the team in the form of a large, shared bunkhouse (with shared rooms as comfort levels allow). Throughout the season, candidates will be expected to camp in close proximity to field sites as needed.All positions will be responsible for purchasing their own food and funding their own 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 or CV, and contact information for three references to: Cara Brewer at caraliebrewer@montana.edu using the subject line “Lastname Lead Technician 2026".The application deadline is February 9, 2026; 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) whether you would like to be considered for both the lead and the technician positions, (ii)what skills and qualifications (both interpersonal and technical) you possess relative to the position description; (iii) your connection to, and/or passion for, the land we will be working on; and (iv) how this position will help you further your personal or career goals.

Requirements

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
• Willingness to day sleep while camping in remote areas in the heat of the summer
• 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 decision-making to minimize risk
• 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