We’re hiring! Help us map fences on the Absaroka Front.
Photo by Desert LLC
Job openings - Crew lead and field technicians
Absaroka Front fence inventory
Season dates: Approx. June 1 – August 31 (Exact dates TBD. Possible extension up to 1 month)
Pay: Technicians $19-20/hr. Crew lead $21-22/hr. Full time work.
Application dates: Review of applications will begin Tuesday, April 2 and continue until suitable candidates have been found.
Job description: We are seeking one crew leader and three field technicians to work on a fence inventory project in Park County, Wyoming. Work will primarily occur on public lands along the Absaroka Front, with a focus on remote portions of the Shoshone National Forest that are important to migratory ungulates like elk and mule deer.
Work will involve navigating to sites using handheld GPS devices and collecting data about fences including their locations, types, and conditions. Access to field sites can require long hours of strenuous physical activity through rugged terrain in harsh weather conditions. The crew will often remain in the field during stints (work weeks), sleeping at field stations, car camping, or backpacking. Any housing costs will be covered throughout the season, and work vehicles will be provided.
Applicants must be comfortable living and working in remote areas. Prior experience collecting detailed data for field studies would be beneficial but is not a strict requirement for field technicians. Training will be provided. The crew leader must have experience with data collection and leadership as they will be responsible for managing the work and ensuring data are collected and stored appropriately.
Required qualifications
Strong work ethic and positive attitude
Ability to safely and accurately navigate off-trail in remote areas
Willingness to work in challenging field conditions
Familiarity with handheld digital devices like GPS units, smart phones, and tablets
Excellent physical fitness
Ability to work safely in areas that have healthy populations of large carnivores including grizzly bears, mountain lions, and wolves
Ability to interact professionally with members of the public, grazing permittees, landowners, and natural resource agencies including the US Forest Service, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and Bureau of Land Management
Valid U.S. driver’s license
Beneficial qualifications
Experience gathering data on handheld devices, uploading data forms electronically, and/or maintaining digital databases
Familiarity with operating 4x4 vehicles on rugged terrain
Experience towing trailers and/or riding side-by-sides
Knowledge of the study area
Completed or currently enrolled in a university program studying natural resources, geography, GIS, or a related field
Wilderness First Aid or First Responder certification
About the project: The Beyond Yellowstone Living Lab is a research collaborative working to support natural resource management agencies and conservation organizations with the best available science. The information gathered from this fence mapping project will be used directly by our partners at the Absaroka Fence Initiative and management agencies to inform their work modifying and removing fences to support rangeland and grazing management while allowing for wildlife permeability.
To apply: Email a brief (1-pg) cover letter, resume or CV, and contact information for 3 relevant references to Dr. Kristin Barker at kbarker@beyondyellowstone.org. Please indicate which position you are applying for in your cover letter (technician or crew lead). Highlighting your backcountry experience in the cover letter would be particularly helpful. You are welcome to ask questions prior to applying. For full consideration, apply by the end of the day on Monday, April 1.