Field Research Assistant

The field research assistant will work with a team of academic researchers, extension faculty, sheep and goat producers, landowners, graduate students, and agency personnel to implement a collaborative research project evaluating contact risk between wild and domestic sheep in Montana. The purpose of this project is to identify factors that influence the probability of wild and domestic sheep contact, and to use that information to expand the development and implementation of tools that mitigate the likelihood of contact and potential pathogen spillover.

The project will be co-directed by Jared Beaver and Brent Roeder at Montana State University and Emily Almberg at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Research activities will be led by Smith Wells, research associate at Montana State University.

MSU News Article on Research Project: https://www.montana.edu/news/23406/montana-state-research-team-receives-4-million-to-study-interactions-between-wild-and-domestic-sheep

Duties and Responsibilities

Contact domestic sheep and goat producers and collect animal husbandry data.
Conduct field-based observations of wild-domestic sheep comingling events, including visual observation, remote camera deployments, and aerial imagery collection (drones). Field operations will often be initiated with short notice and at irregular hours when close contacts are documented or anticipated.
Visit field locations regularly (apx. monthly) to check remote cameras and check in with sheep producers. Field visits will involve close coordination and data review with producers.
Work in close coordination with sheep producers, landowners, and wildlife biologists on project communication, data collection, data management, field response, and outreach. Solve problems and resolve conflicts as they arise in the field.
Manage deployed GPS collars, including mortality checks, redeployments, and collar collections.
Travel frequently across southwest Montana to conduct fieldwork, working independently in remote areas.
Monitor domestic and wild sheep locations daily through web-based applications.
Assist with mapping and analyzing GPS data.
Assist with reviewing and analyzing remote ground and aerial camera footage.
Produce maps and supporting information for field activities. Produce frequent reports on field activities and data collected.

Required Qualifications

• Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

B.S. in rangeland or wildlife management (or associated field) with demonstrated knowledge and experience in application of wildlife and natural community management in rangeland systems.
Experience working outdoors, under varied climatic conditions, and in remote areas with rugged terrain.
Effective computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and field data collection technologies).
Must possess a valid driver's license at time of hire and must be able to comply and adhere to applicable state and university rules, laws, standards, and policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Prompt and effective communication and relationship-building skills using in-person, email, and phone communications.
Experience using GIS software, Program R, and/or other software or programming languages to view, map, and analyze natural resource datasets.
Experience locating animal tracking units in the field using a VHF receiver and field navigation skills.
Experience operating 4WD vehicles and ATVs on unmaintained roads and uneven terrain.
Experience operating heavy equipment, hauling equipment using trailers, and diagnosing mechanical issues.

The Successful Candidate Will

Work collaboratively with varying stakeholders with diverse backgrounds.
Demonstrate ability to multitask, meet deadlines, travel frequently, and work independently in a timely manner with limited supervision.
Take initiative in identifying and solving problems and resolving conflicts as they arise.
Effective verbal/written communication and organizational skills.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

Continued employment is contingent upon funding availability.This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties?
No