Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Wildlife Worker

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a motivated Wildlife Worker (also titled Wildlife Technician, Field Biologist, or Conservation Technician) to join our conservation and natural resources team. The Wildlife Worker conducts field-based wildlife surveys, habitat restoration, animal capture and handling, data collection and quality assurance, and community outreach in support of species conservation, compliance monitoring, and applied research. This role requires proven field skills, attention to data integrity, the ability to work safely in remote and rugged environments, and familiarity with regulatory permit requirements and wildlife survey protocols. Ideal candidates are experienced in wildlife trapping and handling, telemetry, nest and roost monitoring, and GIS mapping tools, and can translate field observations into actionable reports for managers, permitting agencies, and partners.

Keywords: Wildlife Worker, wildlife technician, field biologist, wildlife surveys, habitat restoration, telemetry, wildlife monitoring, species identification, ArcGIS, camera traps, bird banding.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Seasonal/seasonal technician roles (wildlife survey technician, field assistant)
Outdoor/land stewardship roles (park ranger aide, conservation corps)
Academic internships or research assistantships in ecology or wildlife biology

Advancement To:

Senior Wildlife Technician / Lead Field Biologist
Restoration Project Manager / Habitat Specialist
Wildlife Biologist / Species Conservation Specialist

Lateral Moves:

GIS Analyst (natural resources)
Environmental Compliance Specialist
Outreach and Education Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct standardized wildlife population surveys using point counts, line transects, call-playback surveys, nocturnal spotlighting, and visual encounter surveys to estimate abundance, distribution, and demographic parameters; record high-quality observations and metadata using field forms and mobile data collection apps.
Deploy, service, and maintain remote monitoring equipment including camera traps, acoustic recorders, PIT tag antennas, and automated data loggers; download, catalog, and perform initial QA/QC on imagery and acoustic datasets.
Capture, handle, process, and release wild animals using humane and approved techniques (mist-netting, live-trapping, box traps, foot snares where permitted) while strictly following animal welfare protocols and permit conditions; perform species identification, sexing, aging, and basic morphometrics.
Operate radio-telemetry and GPS-collar systems: locate and track animals using handheld receivers and antennas, triangulate signals, retrieve collars, and download movement and location data for analysis.
Perform bird banding and marking activities (permit-required) including band application, data entry, and maintenance of secure banding records for long-term monitoring and return-rate analyses.
Collect biological and environmental samples (blood, tissue swabs, feathers, fecal samples, water, soil) following chain-of-custody and sample preservation protocols for disease screening, genetic analysis, or stable isotope studies.
Conduct habitat assessments and vegetation surveys: quantify plant community composition, canopy structure, groundcover, invasive species presence, and habitat suitability metrics using established protocols.
Assist in capture and relocation operations as part of human-wildlife conflict mitigation and species recovery efforts, coordinating with permitting authorities and following transport and holding guidelines.
Install, monitor, and maintain nest boxes, roost structures, artificial reefs, or habitat enhancement installations; conduct regular nest monitoring to document nesting success, predation, and fledging rates.
Implement and monitor habitat restoration treatments including invasive species removal, native plantings, erosion control, and revegetation projects; operate hand and power tools safely in field contexts.
Maintain accurate, timely field logs, chain-of-custody records, data sheets, and electronic databases (Excel, Access, or field data apps); prepare clear reconnaissance notes and contribute to technical reports for funders and regulatory agencies.
Map field locations and survey results using GPS units and GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS); produce georeferenced layers, maps, and spatial summaries to inform management decisions and permit compliance.
Participate in species-specific monitoring programs (e.g., amphibian call surveys, bat acoustic monitoring, shorebird nest monitoring) and adhere to state and federal survey protocols.
Conduct nocturnal fieldwork safely (bats, mammals) including use of night-vision equipment and bat detectors, while maintaining required biosecurity and PPE protocols to minimize disease transmission risks.
Assist laboratory staff with sample processing and preparation for lab analyses, including proper labeling, freezing, and shipping; maintain sample logs and support data linkage between field observations and lab results.
Support wildlife disease surveillance and carcass collection/necropsy protocols when required, following safety, biohazard, and permit guidelines and coordinating with veterinarians or pathology labs.
Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting for field vehicles, ATVs/UTVs, boats, and field safety equipment; ensure stock of first-aid supplies, PPE, and field consumables.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local permits and reporting requirements (USFWS, state wildlife agencies), obtain necessary permits for trapping, banding, and handling, and prepare permit documentation and follow-up reports.
Lead and train seasonal field crews and volunteers on safe animal handling, survey protocols, data collection standards, and field safety best practices to ensure consistent data quality.
Conduct outreach and community engagement: represent the organization at public events, give educational presentations, and provide guidance to landowners and stakeholders on coexistence measures and habitat stewardship.
Assist principal investigators and project managers with study design input, sampling schedule optimization, and logistical planning for field seasons; provide estimates of labor, equipment, and permit needs.
Perform emergency response duties in wildlife incident situations (injured wildlife triage, capture, and transport to rehabilitation facilities) while coordinating with wildlife rehabilitators and municipal stakeholders.
Maintain and update safety plans, SOPs, and risk assessments for field operations; complete required safety training (OSHA, confined space, boat safety, ATV) and ensure team adherence to protocols.

Secondary Functions

Support data management workflows, prepare datasets for statistical analysis, and collaborate with data analysts to ensure proper metadata and documentation for long-term monitoring projects.
Contribute to the organization's conservation strategy by sharing field-based observations, suggesting adaptive management actions, and participating in steering meetings.
Help draft portions of technical reports, grant deliverables, and permit renewal applications by summarizing field methods, results, and logistical constraints.
Manage inventory of field supplies, order consumables, and coordinate shipping and receiving for equipment and samples.
Assist in the development and testing of mobile data collection forms and field protocols to increase efficiency and data integrity.
Mentor interns and volunteers through hands-on training sessions, field workshops, and safety briefings to build organizational capacity.
Provide support for outreach campaigns including content for websites, social media updates with field highlights, and development of interpretive signage and brochures.
Coordinate with partners (universities, government agencies, NGOs) to align survey protocols, share data, and arrange joint field efforts.
Participate in after-action reviews and post-season debriefs to identify lessons learned and improvements for future field seasons.
Serve as backup driver/operator for field vehicles, trailers, and boats and assist with transport logistics for heavy or sensitive equipment.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proven proficiency in wildlife capture, handling, and processing techniques (live traps, mist-nets, box traps) with strict adherence to animal welfare and permitting requirements.
Radio-telemetry and GPS-collar deployment and tracking, including antenna selection, triangulation, and data download.
Experience deploying and maintaining remote sensors: camera traps, acoustic monitors, PIT tag readers, and automated data loggers.
Strong species identification skills (mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, plants) and familiarity with local fauna and flora.
GIS and mapping skills: GPS data collection, ArcGIS and/or QGIS proficiency, geoprocessing, and cartographic layout for management reports.
Data management and QA/QC: field data entry using Excel, Access, or mobile apps (Survey123, Fulcrum, Collector), and preparation of clean datasets for analysis.
Field sample collection and preservation techniques for genetics, disease screening, and stable isotope analysis with proper chain-of-custody.
Operation and maintenance of field vehicles (4x4), ATVs/UTVs, small boats, and trailering; valid driver's license and safe operation record.
Familiarity with wildlife survey protocols and regulatory compliance (USFWS, state wildlife agency protocols, NEPA basics).
Basic GIS scripting or data analysis skills (R or Python) preferred for automated summary reports and data visualization.
Experience with bird banding or unique species-specific marking methods (PIT tags, bands, tags) under permits is highly desirable.
Comfortable using field electronics and software (rangefinders, laser, external batteries, GoPro, mobile GPS) and performing basic equipment troubleshooting.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy for long-term monitoring and repeatability.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear reports, permit narratives, and public outreach.
Physical stamina and resilience to work in remote, rugged, and variable weather conditions for extended periods.
Proven teamwork and leadership ability to supervise seasonal crews and coordinate multi-party field logistics.
Sound judgment and situational awareness to manage safety risks for people, wildlife, and property.
Adaptability and problem-solving orientation to respond to changing field conditions and unexpected wildlife behavior.
Time management and project organization skills to balance concurrent field tasks, sample processing, and reporting deadlines.
Cultural sensitivity and public relations skills for positive interactions with landowners, volunteers, and community members.
Commitment to ethical conduct, wildlife welfare, and adherence to regulatory and organizational standards.
Initiative and a learning mindset to adopt new technologies, protocols, and best practices in conservation fieldwork.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED, plus demonstrated field experience in wildlife/fisheries/park operations.

Preferred Education:

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, Conservation Biology, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Wildlife Biology
Ecology
Conservation Biology
Fisheries Biology
Natural Resources Management
Environmental Science
Forestry

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1–5 years of progressive field experience as a wildlife technician, field assistant, or analogous role; seasonal experience accepted for junior positions.

Preferred:

2+ years of documented field experience in wildlife capture/handling, telemetry, and monitoring; demonstrated experience with permit-regulated activities (banding, handling, sample collection). Valid driver’s license, and preferred certifications such as CPR/First Aid, boat operator, ATV/UTV safety, and pesticide applicator or wildland fire line qualifications where applicable.