Large Carnivore Biologist 2026-00340

Large Carnivore Biologist 2026-00340

Salary

$6,612.67 - $7,347.60 Monthly

Location

Lander, WY

Job Type

Permanent Full-time

Job Number

2026-00340

Department

Wyoming Game and Fish Department

Division

Wildlife

Opening Date

09/04/2026

Closing Date

9/18/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Exempt

Job Classification

FWWB10

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description and Functions

Position will close on 09/18/2026 at 11:59 pm

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking to fill a Senior Wildlife Biologist position within the WGFD's Large Carnivore Section (LCS) as a Large Carnivore Biologist focused on grizzly bear monitoring and management. This position would lead efforts to continue ongoing grizzly bear monitoring and management activities as part of an interagency team as well as working with other LCS biologists on data acquisition/analysis and conflict management. This position conducts analysis of large carnivore population data on a statewide level for use in population trend, harvest management, season setting, identifying seasonally important habitats, and identifying or mitigating environmental impacts. This position also requires advanced skills in study design and data analysis to increase knowledge on large carnivore ecology and management . This position requires expertise in multiple data analysis tools and publication experience as well working knowledge of grizzly bear conservation strategies employed throughout North America.

This position requires a heavy workload in the field and being on-call throughout portions of the year to immediately respond to conflicts between large carnivores (grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions and wolves) and people, as well as determining and documenting livestock cause of death.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility

• Retirement - Pension and 457(b) plans that help you build a secure future

• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options

• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities

and MUCH MORE! Click here for detailed information, oryou can watch this short video to learn about our benefits package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary? Explore our Total Compensation Calculator:compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

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.

• Develops study designs and implements monitoring and research projects for quantification of grizzly bear and

other large carnivore population dynamics throughout Wyoming, including data acquisition and analysis in order to

evaluate harvest objectives.

• Capture and handling of grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, and gray wolves. Inventory and monitor large carnivore populations; working with federally threatened/endangered species.
• Coordinates with Large Carnivore Section and regional personnel to develop and evaluate management scenarios

for grizzly bears throughout Wyoming and represents the Department at public meetings and informational

presentations regarding grizzly bear management.

• Works closely as part of a Sectional team within the Wildlife Division of the Department.
• Serves as the liaison with researchers and land management agencies regarding work being conducted on

grizzly bears in Wyoming and fosters active communication between all interested parties; serves as a member

of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team.

• Investigates conflicts between large carnivores and humans or livestock, including verifying the species

responsible for depredation to livestock, property damage, or other forms of large carnivore conflicts,

independently with other WGFD or other agency personnel (i.e., USDA - Wildlife Services).

• Manages conflicts between large carnivores and humans and/or livestock using deterrents, firearms, traps, snares,

lethal removals, and controlled pharmaceuticals.

• Collect biological data from both the ground and air, summarize and analyze appropriate population and

habitat data for large carnivores.

• Using data, works with other LCS senior wildlife biologists and regional personnel to formulate

harvest/season recommendations and other management plans/recommendations on large carnivores, as

required.

• Reviews and evaluates large carnivore research needs and reports and participates in research.
• Provides appropriate training to WGFD, other agency personnel, and the public, as assigned, related to large

carnivore management, conflict prevention, mitigation, and resolution.

• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with other WGFD employees, State and federal agency

personnel, local landowners, sportspersons, and non-governmental organizations.

• Attends WGFD or other approved training sessions to keep current with techniques and issues of importance to

large carnivores management and conflict resolution.

• Participates in other training dealing with injured wildlife, immobilization of wildlife, use of equipment (motorized

and non-motorized), dealing with the public, and other training as assigned.

• Uses various forms of communication and technology to reach a diverse group of stakeholders to deliver the Bear

Wise Programs message, promoting public awareness in areas with bears, wolves, and mountain lions.

• Facilitates various public information data requests regarding large carnivore management.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES/AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

Preference will be given to those with at least a Bachelors degree or higher in wildlife management, range management, biology, zoology, ichthyology (or a related field) OR;

Preference will be given to those with a minimum of 3-5 years of experience working in large carnivore management including data acquisition and analysis.

Preference is given to those with wildlife immobilization training and certification.

Must have a valid driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Requires working knowledge of large carnivore ecology, capture methods and other wildlife species.
• Excellent physical condition and ability to perform under adverse and various terrain and climatic conditions.
• Able to work independently with little direct supervision.
• Ability to work productively in a team setting and individually.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and late evenings/early mornings as well as extended hour workdays.
• Ability to work outside, often for long periods on foot or horseback, in severe weather conditions and terrain.
• Ability to safely ride, pack, and handle horses and mules and work in and around livestock in pasture and freerange settings.
• Well-developed communication skills (written and oral).
• Ability to collect, analyze and interpret long- and short-term data sets.
• Ability to work with other people/agencies/groups.
• Ability to successfully negotiate positive outcomes for large carnivore species.
• Knowledge of the principles of trophy game species data collection and conservation/management.
• Computer skills and ability to learn new software packages, including knowledge of R Programs,
• Capture/Mark/Recapture population estimation methodologies,
• Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture programs, Microsoft, and various statistical applications.
• Ability to collect data from various types of aircraft.
• Knowledge of general outdoor skills.
• Knowledge of requirements for preparing reports, personnel management, and functions and structure of other agencies.
• Ability to make decisions under difficult circumstances.
• Must be able to accurately convey WGFD policy and goals to the public and other agencies.
• Full knowledge of the scientific method and application to monitor and manage large carnivores on a statewide level.
• Ability to safely and appropriately handle live wildlife in a variety of sensitive and hazardous conditions.
• Knowledge of Wyoming Statutes Title 23, Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Regulations, and other Wyoming
• Statutes pertaining to large carnivore damage and conflict resolution.
• Ability to safely utilize and handle firearms, including use in the euthanasia of wildlife.
• The position requires lifting heavy objects and strenuous physical exertion at times.
• Knowledge of the aspects of human dimensions within the wildlife profession and dealing with diverse stakeholders daily to reach common ground.
• Experience working with multiple age groups, educational backgrounds, and diversity to facilitate an efficient means of education and outreach regarding large carnivore management and conflict resolution.
• Ability to safely operate motorized equipment, including 4x4 pickup trucks, ATVs, and snowmobiles.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelors Degree (typically in Wildlife Management)

Experience:

1-2 years progressive work experience (typically in Wildlife Management) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Wildlife Biologist II

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None

OR

Education & Experience Substitution:

4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in Wildlife Management) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Wildlife Biologist II

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None

Necessary Special Requirements

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• The position requires lifting heavy objects and strenuous physical exertion at times. Must be able to lift 50lbs or more.
• Be able to work in various weather conditions and environments.
• Must be able to work all days of the week and varied work hours, including weekends, holidays, and early mornings, evenings/late nights, and spending the night(s) in remote locations either in a tent, camper, or cabin. This position is on call to respond to job requirements.
• Travel is required.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Exempt
• Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check before appointment.
• CDL is not required for this position.

Supplemental Information

040-Wyoming Game and Fish-Wildlife Division

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.

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.

Working for the State of Wyoming means more than a job - it's a stable, rewarding career that lets you make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life.

Employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive health coverage - medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Voluntary Benefits - including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts
• Multiple retirement options - including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account, helping you plan for long-term financial security
• Generous paid leave and flexible schedules - vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 11 paid holidays each year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility - for those with qualifying student loans
• Training and professional development - to support your career growth and advancement
• Employee Assistance Program - Includes paid short-term counseling, legal, financial and work-life benefits and select employee discounts
• Wellness Program - Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health

Know your full value.

Your paycheck is only part of the picture. The State of Wyoming offers a Total Compensation Calculator that shows the full value of your salary plus benefits, so you can clearly see what your complete compensation package looks like.

Explore your total compensation: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov/

WORKING FOR THE GREATEST STATE IN THE NATION - Wyoming offers a lifestyle you can't find anywhere else - wide-open spaces, clean air, friendly communities, year-round recreation, and no state income tax.

Click here for detailed information or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!.

01

(AA) Which of the following best describes your highest completed level of education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• High School Diploma/GED/or Equivalent
• Some college Coursework, No Degree Received
• Associates Degree
• Associates Degree and additional coursework
• Bachelors Degree
• Bachelors Degree and additional coursework
• Masters Degree
• Masters Degree and additional coursework
• Doctorate Degree
• Doctorate Degree and additional coursework
• None of the Above

02

(AA) Which of the following Quarter/Semester credit hours best describes your completed college education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• 45+ Quarter hours/30+ Semester hours
• 90+ Quarter hours/60+ Semester hours
• 136+ Quarter hours/91+ Semester hours
• 180+ Quarter hours/120+ Semester hours
• 225+ Quarter hours/150+Semester hours
• N/A

03

(FWWB10) Which of the following best describes your work experience in Wildlife Biology? Experience definition: (This experience includes, but may not be limited to, the following: Wildlife biology, rangeland ecology, animal science, owner/operator of ranch or farm)

• No relevant experience.
• Less than one (1) year of relevant experience.
• One (1) to less than two (2) years of relevant experience
• Two (2) to less than three (3) years of relevant experience
• Three (3) to less than four (4) years of relevant experience
• Four (4) or more years of relevant experience.

04

(AA) Describe your relevant experience below.

05

(FWWB10) Do you have a Bachelors Degree in wildlife, range, or watershed management, ecology, biology, or a closely related field, PLUS four years of professional work experience in wildlife habitat, watershed, or rangeland management

• Yes
• No

06

(FWWB10) Do you have a Masters Degree in wildlife habitat, range, or watershed management, ecology, biology, or a closely related field, PLUS two years of professional work experience in wildlife habitat, watershed, or rangeland management

• Yes
• No

07

(FWWB10) Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have wildlife immobilization training and certification?

• Yes
• No

09

(A1) Where did you hear about this opportunity?

• Government Jobs @ www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wyoming
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Zip Recruiter
• Wyoming Workforce Center
• Other job sites (Wyoming at Work, Monster, etc.)
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Newspaper/Newsletter Advertisement
• Career Fair
• Human Resources Division
• Friend or Acquaintance (Not State Employee)
• Current State Employee
• Other

10

(A1) If you selected "Current State Employee" please provide the employees first and last name, and include the department they work for, if known. Please limit this response to only one employee. This employee may be eligible for a Referral Bonus.

11

(A1) If you selected Other, please tell us where you heard about this opportunity.

12

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE DISCLOSURE: Per Wyoming Statute, current employees of the State of Wyoming are not eligible for Veterans Preference. If you are not a current employee of the State of Wyoming, to be eligible to receive Veterans Preference you MUST have been a resident of the State of Wyoming for a period of one (1) year or more at any time prior to submitting this application. * I have read and understand the Veterans Preference Disclosure and understand that, if claiming Veterans Preference, I must attach the appropriate supporting documentation to each application I submit in order to receive Veterans Preference.

• Yes, I have read and understand the Veterans Preference Disclosure.
• No, I am not claiming Veterans Preference

13

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE: If you are a war veteran as defined in section 101, Title 38, United States Code or are the surviving spouse of a war veteran who receives survivor benefits from the federal government based on the veterans military service, and wish to claim veterans preference, please attach the appropriate documentation substantiating your claim. Indicate below your appropriate veterans preference status. By requesting veterans preference, you are certifying that you meet the statutory requirements as described in the above disclosure.

• Current State Employee
• Veteran - DD214 Attached
• Disabled Veteran (10% or more) - DD214 and Veterans Disability Determination Attached
• Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Veteran - DD214 and proof of Survivor Benefit Attached
• None of the above

14

(A2) Please be advised that an incomplete application WILL NOT be considered for employment. An attached resume is not required and is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Some State of Wyoming agencies use E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities at https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. I have read and understand the above statement.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Wyoming

Address Human Resource Contact Information located in the

General Description Section

Statewide, Wyoming, 82002

Phone 307-777-7188

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