Field Technicians - Bat Capture and Handling

Project

In 2016, the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) was detected in northeastern Montana for the first time since 1978. Since then, state and federal agencies have been working to better understand the true distribution of this species in the state, as well as its ecological needs. This information has become an increasing priority as the northern long-eared bat was uplisted to Endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 2023.

This PhD project will build on previous research efforts to characterize the distribution of the northern long-eared bat in Montana, quantify the levels of effort for determining true absence of the species at the edge of its range, and contribute to a better understanding of population dynamics for this species in northeastern Montana.

We are seeking 4 technicians to assist in the capture and handling of bats. These technicians will (i) safely access randomly generated sites and assess their feasibility for mist netting; (ii) organize, repair, and maintain mist netting gear; (iii) put up and take down mist nets, including saiki and triple instrumentos; (iv)  handling,  species and sex and collect samples from live bats;

(v) record data in detail; (vi) strictly adhere to decontamination protocols to prevent the spread of the causative agent of white-nose syndrome among field sites; (vii) maintain a positive, inclusive, and healthy dynamic among members of the team.

These positions will be based out of Glasgow, Montana. Work will be conducted in the Missouri and Yellowstone River drainages, with potential to expand as the field season progresses, depending on time and logistics. This field location is in rural, northeastern Montana; work will be conducted in the Northern Great Plains on both public and private land. As such, candidates should be prepared for (i) extreme weather conditions (heat, storms, winds);

(ii) encountering venomous wildlife, ticks, and an abundance of mosquitoes; and (iii) living in a community whose members may not share the same political, social, or religious beliefs.

These positions will begin May 25, 2026, and will run through August 10, 2026, with the opportunity to extend as funding allows. Technicians will be paid $16.34/hr and $24.51/hr for overtime hours and will work alongside the PhD student or the lead handling technician for four, ten-hour days per week, with optional overtime. Field housing will be provided in the form of a large, shared bunkhouse.

Throughout the season, candidates will be expected to camp in close proximity to field sites as needed. Team members will be responsible for purchasing their own food and funding their travel to Glasgow. However, in the absence of a personal vehicle, we may coordinate carpooling from Bozacf.

Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT;
Glasgow Field Office, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Glasgow, MT;
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP).

We are committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in our field. Therefore, if you possess 75% of the required qualifications above, please consider applying. We are particularly passionate about hiring “whole people” (and not exclusively those that possess the technical abilities for this position); therefore, if you possess the interpersonal qualities listed above, and some, but not all, of the technical qualifications, you should also consider applying.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume or CV, and contact information for three references to Cara Brewer at caraliebrewer, using the subject line “Lastname Capture Technician 2026”. The Final date to receive applications is February 9, 2026; candidates should expect to hear back from our team within 1‑2 weeks of this deadline for interviews. In your cover letter, please describe: (i) what skills and qualifications (both interpersonal and technical) you possess relative to the position description;

(ii) your connection to, and/or passion for, the land we will be working on; and (iii) how this position will help you further your personal or career goals.

• Mist netting and…