Employment opportunities

Salary: $60,000 Annually
Location:: Augusta or Bangor, Maine
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: 1 year with possible extension
Opening Date: 3/3/25
Closing Date: 12/31/2025

Introduction

In partnership with the Wildlife Management Institute, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s (MDIFW) is looking to fill a contracted position with the Wildlife Diversity Section. This position is full-time for a term of approximately 10 months, with the possibility of an extension for another 1 or 2 years.

The mission of MDIFW is to preserve, protect, and enhance the inland fisheries and wildlife resources of the state as well as enable and promote the safe enjoyment of Maine’s outdoors. As part of this mandate, MDIFW’s Wildlife Division monitors and manages Maine’s game and nongame species and conserves wildlife habitat. This position will work closely with wildlife biologists in the Wildlife Division’s Wildlife Diversity Section, especially with MDIFW’s Small Mammal Biologist.

Job Description

The Small Mammal Technician will lead the field efforts for research and monitoring of Maine’s small mammals, including 12 Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Much of the selected candidate’s work will focus on conducting surveys for bats, with an emphasis on 4 state listed species: little brown, eastern small-footed, northern long-eared, and tricolored bats. The technician will also conduct general and species-specific (e.g, northern bog lemmings) small mammal surveys, assist with monitoring and management of New England cottontails, and assist with data entry, management, and analysis. This work will fill critical information gaps on species distribution, population status, and habitat use; contribute to state, regional, and continental monitoring programs; and inform MDIFW’s environmental review process, state and federal listing decisions, and conservation actions.

Duties may include:

• Inventory, maintain, and prepare field equipment
• Conduct stationery and mobile acoustic surveys as part of MDIFW’s bat monitoring program
• In coordination with the University of Maine, conduct winter bat acoustic surveys to research bat hibernation in talus slopes and other rocky habitat types
• Assist with the organization, archiving, and analysis (including manual vetting) of bat recordings
• Conduct small mammal surveys using fecal pellet collection and trapping methodologies
• Assist with MDIFW’s New England cottontail translocation program, including trapping, transportation, and monitoring
• Conduct small-scale habitat management activities to benefit New England cottontails, including invasive species control, building brush piles, girdling, chop and drop, and other management techniques
• Assist with data entry, compilation, and analysis

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Strong field skills using a variety of survey techniques to collect biological data
• Physical ability to work long field days including multi-mile hikes into high elevation areas
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team in field, laboratory, and office settings
• Proficiency of on and off trail snowmobile use and basic maintenance
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Willingness and ability to stay in Department owned bunkhouses and remote camps when necessary
• Previous experience conducting bat acoustic surveys

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of a B.S. in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, or related field, with at least 2 years of professional experience.

Benefits

Through WMI, the selected candidate will be eligible for a 401(k) retirement plan with match. WMI will provide health, dental and eye insurance, worker’s compensation, general liability protection, and unemployment insurance benefits. WMI will withhold taxes including social security.

Application Process

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and 3 references by March 9, 2025 to: cory.r.stearns@maine.gov.

For questions related to this position, please contact:

Cory Stearns, Small Mammal Biologist
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
cory.r.stearns@maine.gov
Phone: (207) 592-1782

For questions related to WMI contracts, please contact:

Scot Williamson, Vice President
Wildlife Management Institute
swilliamson@wildlifemgt.org
Phone: (802) 563-2087

Compensation: $22/hour 
Location: Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire
Duration: mid-May to early-August
Application Deadline: 3/10/2025

The Wildlife Management Institute, in partnership with Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, seeks to hire four seasonal technicians to conduct playback surveys for American Goshawk throughout Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Field work will include extensive hiking in remote areas to conduct systematic playback surveys over large sampling areas often in challenging environments. Surveys are based on the USFS Goshawk Bioregional Monitoring Design, and each sampling area covers 600 hectares with 4-minute playback surveys every 200 meters placed along parallel transects. GPS units will be used to navigate and locate survey points within sampling areas. Strong raptor identification (sight and sound) and orienteering skills are required. Additionally, applicants should be able to hike over long distances, be capable of moderate to strenuous physical activities, and work in inclement weather. When goshawks are detected, follow up surveys to locate nests may be conducted. Surveys will be completed in teams of two, and each team will need to work independently to complete objectives, with additional support mostly being provided remotely. Field technicians will need to have their own vehicle to access survey locations throughout the three states. Pay will be approximately $22/hour. Payment will be by direct deposit every 2 weeks. Technicians will need to procure their own lodging and transportation to field sites, but funds will be provided to offset these expenses. Positions will be 40 hours/week and begin in early/mid-May and extend through July/early August. These positions offer an opportunity to work with several state and private conservation organizations with a raptor of high conservation concern while exploring some of the most beautiful areas in New England. Interested applicants should send any specific questions about the positions to Andrew Vitz (andrew.vitz@mass.gov) and a cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references to Meghan Gilbart (mgilbart@wildlifemgt.org) by March 10. Applications will be reviewed as they come in and until positions are filled.

Application Deadline

The announcement is open until filled, and interviews are scheduled as applications are received. The successful applicant can expect to start within 2-4 weeks after a job offer.

Position Duration

1 year. The position may be extended for additional years pending funding and job performance. If the position is extended, the candidate may be reassigned to another location in Iowa.

Overview and Job Duties

A position is available for a highly qualified individual to work in a joint capacity with Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to promote healthy forest management. The successful applicant will help private landowners improve their woodlands for wildlife, recreation, wood products, and soil and water quality.

The successful applicant will serve as an employee of Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) and receive supervision from WMI with daily instructions provided by the local DNR staff. Work priorities will be determined by local DNR District Foresters in conjunction with the DNR Private Lands Coordinator and the USDA-NRCS agreement funding the position. Training and support will be provided by the Iowa DNR, in particular the local District Forester and the Private Lands Program Coordinator. Duties will include:

• Work closely with the local District Forester and NRCS staff to identify opportunities for forest restoration and management.
• Work with private landowners to provide technical assistance for managing their properties, including conducting site visits and development of forest management plans.
• Develop Forest Management Plans and prescribed burning plans that meet NRCS standards and program requirements.
• Conduct outreach activities to promote forest management objectives within the designated working area.
• Work with private landowners to provide information and assistance with available conservation programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) and other federal, state, and local programs.
• Conduct Landowner Workshops / Field Days in identified priority focus areas annually.
• Duties will also include contract development and coordination, site assessment and monitoring, and regular tracking and reporting of accomplishments.
• Attendance at relevant DNR and NRCS meetings and/or trainings will also be required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Superior communication (written and oral) skills. Must be comfortable both speaking in public and in engaging landowners on a one-to-one basis.
• Willingness to be a vocal advocate for young forests and active forest management to landowners and natural resource professionals.
• Ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of basic forest ecology and dynamics, especially related to the forest communities of Iowa.
• Knowledge of basic principles of wildlife management.
• Knowledge of relevant conservation programs, including Federal Farm Bill programs (CRP, EQIP and CSP), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Partners for Fish & Wildlife program, and other applicable federal, state, and local conservation programs.
• Ability to work long hours in the field and under adverse weather conditions.
• Familiarity with MS Word, MS Excel, and GIS.
• Valid driver’s license required with an acceptable driving record.

Qualifications

Minimum - Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry or closely related field from an accredited academic institution. Preference will be given to candidates who have professional experience related to forest and/or forest wildlife management. Experience working with private landowners to develop conservation plans is also beneficial.

Compensation

This salaried position pays $39,439/year ($20.50/hour equivalent). As a limited term employee of WMI, the incumbent will be expected to work no more than an average of 74 hours per two-week pay period. Work vehicles, office space, computers, etc. will be provided. The position will be eligible for WMI 401(k) retirement benefits and WMI will provide workers’ compensation, general liability protection, and professional liability protection and unemployment insurance benefits. The positions are eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance coverage. The positions are not eligible for vacation pay, sick leave, or disability benefits. WMI will withhold taxes including social security. The incumbent will be entitled to make voluntary contributions to their 401(k) retirement plan.

Locations

Fairfield, Iowa

To Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references as one Word or pdf file. Send to Katy.Fullin@dnr.iowa.gov. For questions about the duties, location, etc., contact Katy Fullin at Iowa DNR. For questions about WMI, contact Scot Williamson at SWilliamson@wildlifemgt.org.