Nonlethal Wolf Hazing Technician

Overview

The Young lab at Utah State University is seeking one (1) technician to assist with fieldwork on a collaborative project with USDA’s Wildlife Services and National Wildlife Research Center. The technician will work for a master’s student, assisting her with a study to identify if the use of small unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAS; AKA drones) is a viable nonlethal tool on carnivores, primarily focusing on wolves that are in proximity of or killing livestock. The two objectives are to: (1) test the effectiveness of drones as a hazing tool on wolves that are attacking livestock and (2) obtain a detection probability of wolves using drones. The position is expected to last six months, but the exact start and end date may vary.  Field housing will be provided in the form of a camper trailer that may be shared with the graduate student. Applicants should bring a sleeping bag, personal cookware (pots, pans, utensils), and other necessary personal items. 

Responsibilities

Work will primarily occur at night, with ~12-hour shifts for 3–4 consecutive nights. For the detection probability study, the technician will wear a suit to simulate wolf presence in designated plots while the drone pilots attempt detection under different canopy cover conditions. Additionally, the technician will assist in logistical planning and execution when the graduate student is the testing pilot to ensure an unbiased study design. During periods with wolf-livestock conflicts, the team will transition to “Night Watch,” a Wildlife Services term for monitoring and protecting cattle herds at risk of depredation by wolves. The technician’s primary role during these events will be to serve as the visual observer for pilots, ensuring they maintain line-of-sight with the drone to prevent accidents. An online visual observer course through the National Training Academy for USDA will be required, if hired.Additional fieldwork will include tracking wolf signs, setting up and maintaining camera traps, and communicating with local producers. Applicants MUST be comfortable working long hours at night and alone. A radio will be provided for communication.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Have or be working towards a degree in wildlife ecology/management, biology, natural resources, or a similar field. 
• Self-motivated, capable of working independently in remote settings alone at night, physically capable of conducting remote fieldwork, and comfortable with night shifts.
• Able to navigate using GPS units and/or OnX app.
• Good communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with landowners, recreationists, USDA personnel, and supervising graduate student. 
• Detail-oriented, organized, and have data management skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to follow directions including strict field protocols. 
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have a clean driving record. 
• Patience, attention-to-detail, adaptability, stamina (mental and physical), respect for others, professional behavior, and a positive team-player attitude. 
• Must complete an online visual observer course through the National Training Academy for USDA upon hiring.

  Preferred Qualifications:

• 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 and at night.
• Certifications in wilderness medical care (Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder).
• Experience working with small unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAVS; AKA drones).

Required Documents

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

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

 

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

Advertised Salary

$15.00 per hour

ADA

The position requires considerable physical activity. Employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position including heavy lifting (50 pounds) and/or pushing and pulling of heavy objects.  Employees must be prepared to assume uncomfortable positions such as crawling, kneeling, and squatting. Additionally, the work environment can include confined or narrow spaces. Employees must adhere to safety precautions and may be required to use protective equipment. Outdoors, incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold and be required to walk and/or stand for long periods of time.  

College/Department Highlights

The S. J. & Jessie E.Quinneyy College of Natural Resources is nationally and internationally recognized for its research, extension, and teaching on natural and socio-environmental ecosystems. It is a high-impact college at Utah State University with over $15M in research funding annually, 55 tenure-track faculty in three departments, and close partnerships with federal and state natural resource agencies.  

 The Department ofWildlandd Resources inQCNRR encompasses research in applied terrestrial ecology, including the ecology and management of wildlife, forests, rangelands, conservation biology, and climate change adaptation.  Award-winning faculty teach courses that prepare students for professional careers in many natural resources fields, including programs accredited by the Society of American Foresters and the Society for Range Management and aligned with the Society of Ecological Restoration. 

University Highlights

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 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 02/2025

Notice of Non-discrimination

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