Elk Feedground CWD Technician 2026-01821

Posting number: 2026-01821

Department: Wyoming Game and Fish Department

Division: Wildlife

Job classification: ATAW99 - EMPLOYEE CONTRACT

Posting type: Open

Categories: Wildlife

Summary(This is for recruitment purposes. Please remove if not applicable)
Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  


This position performs and assists with chronic wasting disease (CWD) sampling and surveillance of elk on state elk feed grounds and native winter ranges. Collects CWD and other biological samples from wildlife as opportunities arise from road kills, targeted removal and other mortality events. Assists with wildlife conflict resolution including injured wildlife calls. Will make public contacts with sportsmen, landowners and various constituent groups. Participate in relevant training and other regional work tasks.


Human Resource Contact: Dezzaree Schott / dezzaree.schott@wyo.gov 


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.
 

• Collects lymph nodes from hunter harvested cervids using a scalpel and forceps for CWD surveillance.
• Opportunistically collects and submits CWD and other disease samples from road-killed or targeted wildlife.
• Lethally takes cervids that exhibit signs of CWD, removes carcass from the field, takes and submits CWD and other disease samples and properly disposes of the carcass.
• Works with local meat processors and hunters in the field and at check stations to collect CWD samples.
• Coordinates with WYDOT to arrange for the collection of CWD samples from road killed cervids collected by WYDOT employees.
• Collects, records and enters data specific to the CWD surveillance program and other harvest information (i.e.., species, age and sex) into databases.
• Responsible for familiarizing self with CWD and its distribution in Wyoming to effectively respond to hunters' and public inquiries.
• Assists with other regional tasks as time allows.
• Works independently or with other regional personnel in collecting and analyzing wildlife data, hunter harvest checks, tissue sampling and processing for disease monitoring and maintains detailed records on disease collection efforts to be used for written technical end of project reporting.
• Writes technical project reports.
• Maintains extensive presence in the field, particularly during elk feeding season and when elk are migrating to and from feed grounds and winter ranges.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with region-wide WGFD employees including contract elk feeders, other state and federal agency personnel, local landowners, sports persons and wildlife organizations.
• Represent the WGFD at public informational meetings, at field check stations, and at hunter/public information events.
• Responds to, and appropriately handle injured and nuisance wildlife calls which may require lethal removal of wildlife using firearms.
• Documents and reports daily activities. Ensures expenditures are in accordance with fiscal procedures.
• Maintains assigned vehicle, ATV, snowmobile, trailer and other equipment.
• Coordinates with regional and statewide personnel to transport samples and/or whole carcasses to the Wildlife Health Lab and/or Wyoming State Veterinary Lab as needed.

Examples of duties
PREFERENCES/**AGENCY REQUIREMENTS: 


Preferences may be given to those with a Bachelor's Degree in wildlife management, range management, biology or zoology. 

**Agency requires that the successful applicant have a valid driver's license


KNOWLEDGE: 

• Knowledge of principles, theories, and practices of wildlife and biological sciences.
• Knowledge of how to identify various wildlife, domestic animals, and/or plant species.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology and habitat requirements.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of aquatic & terrestrial wildlife management and habitat requirements.
• Knowledge of the principles of wildlife conservation and management, data collection, habitat requirements and life histories of various wildlife species.
• Knowledge of data analysis and interpretation.
• Knowledge and ability to safely use firearms to lethally take wildlife.
• Knowledge of cervid anatomy.
• Strong inter-personal verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to operate 4 wheel drive vehicles, ATV’s and snowmachines.
• Ability to effectively communicate between multiple work units and personnel.
• Ability to analyze information and make appropriate decisions.
• Ability to coordinate and work with federal, state, and local agencies on wildlife management issues.
• Ability to work without direct supervision, work alone, and/or as a team.
• Ability to work with other people/agencies/groups, which may have conflicting interests.
• Ability to use of scalpels, forceps, knives and other tools to collect disease samples or necropsy cervids.
• Ability to make and defend recommendations/decisions in spite of imperfect data.
• Ability to successfully negotiate positive outcomes for wildlife, and make decisions under varied conditions.
• Computer skills and ability to learn new software packages, including knowledge of Google, Microsoft, and online database programs.
• Knowledge of general outdoor skills and survival, especially in winter conditions.
• Knowledge of CWD in cervids.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:


None - See "Preferences"

Qualifications
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Travel within the Pinedale Region is required and can involve long drive times and work in remote areas.
• Backcountry travel, wild and domestic animal handling, firearms use, long hours, and irregular schedules are all required by this position.
• Over the snow travel is required to reach most elk feedgrounds and candidate must be able to work long hours in cold conditions.

NOTES: 

• FLSA: Non-exempt
• This is a temporary, six-month position with an anticipated start date of October or November.

Supplemental information

040-Game and Fish Department-Wildlife Division

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.