The Young lab at Utah State University is seeking three (3) technicians to assist with fieldwork for a Ph.D. student’s research project focused on comparing the effectiveness of different monitoring techniques for surveying black bears, bobcats, cougars, and coyotes in the Central Mountains of Utah. The position is expected to last approximately 4-6 months. This multi-year collaborative study between Utah State University and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) aims to identify best practices for monitoring carnivore populations to meet management objectives.

Work will predominantly involve noninvasive sampling of carnivores, such as deploying, maintaining, and retrieving camera traps and baited hair snares. Applicants should expect to spend long days hiking alone in mountainous terrain (6,000-10,000ft elevation) carrying a heavy pack and field equipment. Technicians MUST be comfortable performing solo fieldwork in adverse conditions (such as heat or cold, challenging terrain, and remote locations), driving 4x4 trucks and ATVs, and problem-solving independently to ensure that fieldwork is completed safely and efficiently. Technicians must be aware of their surroundings and be confident hiking alone where carnivores and other wildlife species are present. Additional fieldwork related to the study may include helping the graduate student and UDWR personnel capture, process, and collar bobcats, black bears, and coyotes, using VHF telemetry to locate collared bobcats and download GPS data, and investigating mortality events for collared black bears, bobcats, and cougars. Applicants must therefore be comfortable handling live and dead animals, roadkill, and pungent lures.

• Have or be working towards a degree in wildlife ecology/management, biology, natural resources, or a similar field OR be able to demonstrate equivalent experience.
• Must be independent, hardworking, and in good physical condition (able to hike 10+ miles a day off-trail with a weighted pack of 30+ pounds).
• Must be willing to work alone in inclement weather without cell service, communicating via radios and satellite communication devices.
• Must be able to navigate on and off-trail using topographic maps and a hand-held GPS.
• Must have good communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with hunters, UDWR biologists, BYU researchers, landowners, recreators, other technicians and volunteers, the PI, and the supervising graduate student.
• Must be detail-oriented, organized, and have data management skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to follow directions including strict field protocols.
• Valid driver’s license to perform essential job responsibilities, such as driving university vehicles and transporting materials
• Patience, adaptability, stamina (mental and physical), respect for others, professional behavior, and a positive team-player attitude are by far the most important skills. 

• 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.
• Prior experience using camera traps and managing camera data.
• Experience backpacking alone in remote locations.
• Certifications in wilderness medical care (Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder).

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

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

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

This position requires considerable physical activity.  Employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position including heavy lifting (up to 75 lbs.) and/or pushing and pulling of heavy objects. Employees must be prepared to assume uncomfortable positions, such as crawling, kneeling, and squatting.  Employees work outside and will not be protected from weather conditions, including extreme cold and extreme heat for extended periods. Employees must adhere to safety precautions and may be required to use protective equipment. Employees may be exposed to unusual elements including extreme temperatures, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. 

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 through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.

USU enrolls 28,900 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 Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. 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 reasonable accommodations 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 01/2025

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 or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023