Wildlife Research Technician in Northern Utah

Overview

The Frey lab at Utah State University is seeking a motivated seasonal technician to assist with data collection for a research project on raven caching behavior in northern Utah. The position is from February 23rd to May 31st, 2026, and housing will be provided. The technician will work independently in the field under the supervision of USDA collaborator Lindsey Perry. Weekly schedules will vary, averaging 25-40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

Human development has substantially increased raven populations across the western United States. These generalist predators are a species of management concern as their growing numbers put unprecedented pressure on threatened and endangered species, particularly ground nesting birds such as least terns, snowy plovers, and greater sage-grouse, whose numbers are declining in regions with high concentrations of ravens in part because of their ability to locate and depredate nests across expansive landscapes.

Because of this, management agencies are attempting to decrease raven densities near sensitive species' habitat. The USDA, Wildlife Services, utilizes avicide-treated chicken eggs to reduce raven densities near sensitive habitats in the western United States. We are evaluating environmental factors influencing egg uptake by various species and tracking egg caching using specialized transmitters. Understanding more about corvid caching behaviors and consumption rates will provide insight into the efficacy of avicide-treated eggs in reducing raven densities and assess potential impacts on non-target species in the Great Basin.

• Deploy transmitter-tagged chicken eggs to allow for raven uptake.
• Maintain trail cameras at egg deployment sites and egg-cache sites, including reviewing all photos daily.
• Track transmitter-equipped eggs across large expanses of sagebrush.
• Locate raven nests and document raven behaviors within the study area.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid driver's license to perform essential job responsibilities, such as driving university vehicles and transporting materials.
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork in extreme hot and cold weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating ATVs.
• Basic bird identification skills.
• Interest in wildlife biology, ecology, or natural resources.
• Affinity for rural western environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to follow detailed directions and protocols.
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
• Ability to drive off-road and use 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Advertised Salary
$15/hr

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. The work environment will consist of remote housing (provided) in an isolated environment. The technician will be responsible for making independent decisions, often without cellular or wireless service to connect with a supervisor.

The technician will be driving on remote dirt roads and hiking several miles each day across rugged terrain regardless of weather. This position will require the ability to squat and stand repeatedly throughout an 8-10 hour day and to hike in uneven terrain in remote areas for 5+ miles a day.

Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination in its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, 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 or federal/state/local law. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination, contact the Office of Equity.