Natural Resources Job Board

Agency: USDA National Wildlife Research Center

Location: Fort Collins, CO

Job Category: Full time position

Salary: $55,705 to $88,577 / per year plus benefits

Start Date: ~Sept 1, 2024 (negotiable)

Last Date to Apply: 07/07/2025

 

Description: The USDA/APHIS/WS/NWRC/ feral swine research project is seeking an experienced wildlife field researcher to examine movements of wild pigs near landfills and conduct simulated disease risk scenarios. The position will be located in Fort Collins, CO with frequent travel to a field site. Field travel will likely be 5–10 days at a time. When in Fort Collins, the incumbent will work from an office at the USDA National Wildlife Research Center.

 

Field duties will consume 50% of the incumbent’s time and include:  

•  Coordinating daily tasks of field staff.

• Assisting lead researchers with experimental design/analysis.

• Conducting technical field work in support of ecological research studies of feral swine.

• Capturing and attaching tags and GPS collars to feral swine.

• Gathering, compiling, cleaning, and evaluating data.

• Testing and maintaining motion-activated cameras used for data collection. Identifying and reporting discrepancies.

• Use VHF, GPS, and related technologies to evaluate animal movement.

• Possible use of firearms for humane euthanasia of animals.

• Mechanical and trouble-shooting responsibilities.

• Operating ATVs and UTVs in challenging landscape and climatic conditions.

 

Office duties will consume 50% of the incumbent’s time and include:

• Assisting with organizing and analyzing data for reporting, oral presentations, and peer-reviewed publications. 

• Assimilating data from remote camera imagery and GPS collars.  

• Maintaining accurate database records by organizing data and compiling in presentable format for research biologists.

• Preparing routine reports regarding relevant data collected.

• Performs literature searches, logistical errands, and organizing equipment and databases.

 

Performs other duties, as assigned by lead researchers.

 

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrate experience with:

 

·   Study design for wildlife and/or wildlife management field studies.

·   Data collection, organization, cleaning, analysis, interpretation, and reporting using appropriate software (e.g., R or similar is preferred), especially of animal movement and/or population data.

·   Conducting field research duties such as maintaining and monitoring remote cameras, baiting and trapping wildlife, deploying and operating GPS or VHF transmitters, and safe handling of firearms, under minimal supervision.

·   Overseeing, coordinating, or providing guidance to other field technicians on the team.

·   Conducting resource management duties including inventory, organization, and maintenance of project equipment.

 

Search USAjobs for announcement DE-12754380-25-WS (https://www.usajobs.gov/job/839468500). Open 06/30/2025 to 07/07/2025. The job announcement will be generic and may not obviously reflect the above duties. 

 

Please contact Nathan Snow if you have questions or cannot find the posting: Nathan.p.snow@usda.gov