The Young lab is seeking a Urban Mesocarnivore Technician to (1) capture and fit GPS collars on coyotes, bobcats, and red foxes, (2) assist staff with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) in maintaining a camera trap grid in Wichita, Kansas, and (3) monitor mesocarnivores fitted with GPS collars. This is part of a collaborative research project between Dr. Jon Beckmann and Matt Peek with KDWP and Dr. Julie Young at Utah State University (USU). There are two USU graduate students working on this project, but they will be on campus for class during the fall semester. The USU team and KDWP staff in Wichita will assist the technician with the fieldwork when possible, and the veterinary staff at Sedgwick Zoo will assist with all capture & collaring activities.
This position is located in Wichita, KS. The successful candidate is expected to work at least 3 months, preferably 6 or more. Hours will typically be 20-25 hrs/week, but may on occasion be up to 40 hrs/week.
Candidates from underrepresented groups in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply. Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.
The fieldwork is part of a study on the ecology and behavior of red foxes, coyotes, and bobcats living in an urban landscape. The successful applicant will be involved in setting and maintaining live traps to capture and fit these mesocarnivores with GPS collars, maintaining a camera trap grid that runs four times each year, monitoring previously collared animals, working and communicating with collaborators, partner organizations, and members of the public, and other job-related tasks.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Along with the online application, please attach:
**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**
Employees work outdoors and may not be protected from weather conditions, including extreme cold and extreme heat, for extended periods. Work may be performed in isolation/independently and during varying hours of the day or night.
This position requires considerable physical activity, and employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees may be required to lift, push, and/or pull objects and supplies weighing up to 75 pounds and may be required to stand and/or walk for extended periods across rugged or uneven terrain and in areas with limited accessibility.
Work may also involve handling or interacting with wildlife and exposure to animals, insects, vegetation, dust, odors, and other environmental conditions associated with outdoor and wildlife-related work.
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.
USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.
Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025–26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.
Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.
*updated 07/2026
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.
Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.
In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.
The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:
Civil Rights & Title IX Office
Old Main Room 405
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322
(435) 797-1266
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:
U.S. Department of Education
Denver Regional Office
303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
800-421-3481 | OCR@ed.gov
*updated 08/2026
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