Urban Mesocarnivore Technician

City:
Outside UT. See WL address

Posted Date: 24 hours ago (9/28/2026 6:01 PM)

Position Type:
Non-benefited (hourly) Part-Time

Percent of Time or Hours per Week: 20-25 hrs/week

Job Location s: US

The Young lab is seeking a Urban Mesocarnivore Technician to (1) capture and fit GPS collars on coyotes, bobcats, and red foxes, (2) assist staff with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) in maintaining a camera trap grid in Wichita, Kansas, and (3) monitor mesocarnivores fitted with GPS collars. This is part of a collaborative research project between Dr.

Jon Beckmann and Matt Peek with KDWP and Dr. Julie Young at Utah State University (USU). There are two USU graduate students working on this project, but they will be on campus for class during the fall semester. The USU team and KDWP staff in Wichita will assist the technician with the fieldwork when possible, and the veterinary staff at Sedgwick Zoo will assist with all capture & collaring activities.

This position is located in Wichita, KS. The successful candidate is expected to work at least 3 months, preferably 6 or more. Hours will typically be 20-25 hrs/week, but may on occasion be up to 40 hrs/week.

Candidates from underrepresented groups in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply. Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination 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 any other federal, state, or local law.

The fieldwork is part of a study on the ecology and behavior of red foxes, coyotes, and bobcats living in an urban landscape. The successful applicant will be involved in setting and maintaining live traps to capture and fit these mesocarnivores with GPS collars, maintaining a camera trap grid that runs four times each year, monitoring previously collared animals, working and communicating with collaborators, partner organizations, and members of the public, and other job-related tasks.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience live trapping mesocarnivores
• Experience with camera traps
• Valid driver’s license to perform essential job responsibilities, such as driving university vehicles and transporting materials
• An undergraduate degree or relevant educational experience in ecology, biology, wildlife, zoology, or a related field

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A willingness to work long and odd hours in the field
• An ability to communicate well with diverse stakeholders
• An interest in urban ecology

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"

Document size may not exceed 10 MB.

$28/hour

Employees work outdoors and may not be protected from weather conditions, including extreme cold and extreme heat, for extended periods. Work may be performed in isolation/independently and during varying hours of the day or night.

This position requires considerable physical activity, and employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees may be required to lift, push, and/or pull objects and supplies weighing up to 75 pounds and may be required to stand and/or walk for extended periods across rugged or uneven terrain and in areas with limited accessibility.

Work may also involve handling or interacting with wildlife and exposure to animals, insects, vegetation,…