This position is stationed in Libby, MT, a mountainous area of Northwest Montana that includes the Kootenai, Yaak, Fisher and Bull River basins. Libby is 90 miles west of Kalispell and 50 miles southeast of Bonners Ferry, ID. The area of responsibility of the Wildlife Biologist is bound by the Idaho border to the east, the Canadian border to the north and contains portions of the Cabinet Wilderness Area. A variety of wildlife species including elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goats, grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, wolves, upland game and numerous non-game species occupy the area. The Libby area biologist is an integral part of a passionate and dedicated team working to maintain and improve conditions for wildlife species in northwestern Montana. The ability to work both independently and as part of the Region l wildlife team will be required. This is a demanding position requiring advanced mental and physical stamina and attention to detail. Travel via 4-wheel drive, A TV and snow machines and work in and around helicopters and aircraft are important aspects of this position. Wildlife surveys and inventories requiring the use of light aircraft and helicopters are conducted at low altitudes and in hazardous flying conditions while sitting in confined spaces with exposure to high noise levels. 

Work schedules are variable including weekend and nights when necessary, requiring the wildlife biologist to exhibit flexibility in daily, weekly and annual work schedules. Self-motivation is an important part of this position. Heavy lifting, up to 4016, and the ability to work in remote and difficult terrain is necessary under varying and occasionally extreme weather conditions. This position is administered from a satellite office in Thompson Falls.

The Libby area Wildlife Biologist is responsible for making management recommendations for wildlife species within the area of responsibility. This is achieved by conducting surveys both from the ground and air, analyzing data collected, utilizing scientific literature, obtaining public support for proposals, and submitting proposals through a public process which are often highly visible and controversial, involving the entire spectrum of interests and stakeholders in wildlife conservation issues. The Libby Wildlife Biologist is responsible for managing the Kootenai Falls and Bull River Wildlife Management Areas, making decisions on how to improve habitat conditions for wildlife. This position is responsible for working with landowners to reduce wildlife damage and address landowner complaints related to conflicts with wildlife. The Wildlife Biologist works with land management agencies on habitat actions to improve conditions or wildlife and comments on habitat management and development plans and actions. The ability to build good working relationships and establish credibility with fellow biologists, law enforcement, other agency staff and the public is an important aspect of the position.

Job Duties:

The Wildlife Biologist is responsible for the implementation of the Department's wildlife management program, including the State Wildlife Action Plan, in the Libby area of administrative Region l. This includes developing and implementing adaptive wildlife and habitat management strategies; working with various private landowners, various government agencies, other organizations and stakeholders to increase public enjoyment of natural resources; represent the Department on wildlife, habitat and access management matters; and maintain proficiency of a professional wildlife scientist. These duties are accomplished by: designing and conducting ground and aerial field investigations and surveys; recording and analyzing survey data, species information statistical models and data from Department databases; formulating management strategies and plans that benefit wildlife populations and habitats; identify habitat conservation and access needs; utilize population models to predict adaptive harvest and changing environmental factors influencing wildlife conservation; establish hunter check stations and collect pertinent biological data to assist in evaluating population trends and status; respond to wildlife damage complaints following legal statutes and department policies; collaborate with Department staff to design, implement and interpret findings of wildlife and wildlife habitat related studies to further understanding and management of specific species; oversee and conduct habitat maintenance and improvement projects on department Wildlife Management areas; work with land management agency staff to identify and improve habitat management plans and actions on public lands; work with city officials to address CWD infections within the urban area and implement CWD management actions to reduce prevalence; demonstrate the ability to safely capture, restrain and immobilize a variety of wildlife species; provide data and information to mitigate habitat development on private and public lands, maintain professional status through literature review and trainings, present findings and information to public and scientific audiences at various setting; and develop and maintain working relationships with Department staff, other agency staff, and the public to foster communication, cooperation and collaboration on projects.

Area Description:

Libby is a small but dynamic community located within a thirty-to-forty-five-minute drive of the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Turner Mountain Ski Resort, several National and State forests and parks, the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness area and the Idaho and Canada borders. There are numerous outdoor related activities available in the immediate area. Libby resides in Lincoln County, population of approximately 21,000 people, and is the largest city in the extreme northwest corner of Montana. Libby has medical facilities, K-12 school system and is within a ninety-minute drive from Kalispell, MT. The office for this position is in the Libby Field Office located at 385 Fish Hatchery Rd, Libby, MT. The field office is a well-maintained building which houses both Fisheries and Wildlife division staff. Other towns within driving range to the office are Eureka, Troy, Trout Creek, Yaak, Thompson Falls, Kalispell and Bonners Ferry ID.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

 The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through combination of education and experience equivalent to a Master's Degree in Fish and Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Range Management, Zoology or Biology, including completion of a field research project presented in a successfully defended thesis. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Equivalent experience is defined as five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a wildlife biologist or senior wildlife technician, in addition to successful completion of a single research effort that includes:

1. Literature review and development of a problem statement and or hypothesis for a particular issue.
2. Development of a detailed study plan or sampling protocol for a field-oriented project based on the above-noted hypothesis.
3. Data collection and the effective management of data with an appropriate application.
4. Interpretation and analysis of data, including a quantitative assessment of that information.
5. As primary author, completion of one or more publications in a peer-reviewed journal.
6. If appropriate to the project, formulation of any recommended changes in management prescriptions and or actions.
7. Oral presentation on results of investigation to agency staff or public audience.