Loon Ranger Intern

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.:

Announcement:

Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement. Resume Cover Letter References Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on March 22, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Special Information:

Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation. Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.

Specific Job Information:

Interns will work with the Regional MFWP nongame wildlife biologists to conduct all aspects of the Regional Loon Conservation Program. The intern, also referred to as a “Loon Ranger” will be the primary MFWP person responsible for monitoring and protecting nesting loons in the Blackfoot, Seeley-Swan, and Kalispell areas, as well as doing educational outreach and programs aimed at increasing the public’s understanding of and appreciating for common loons and their habitats in Montana.

Loon monitoring and management activities primarily occur during May through July. In coordination with local biologists, interns conduct common loon surveys, deploy and collect floating signs, monitor loons for leg bands, interact with the public on topics of loon conservation, keep daily log of activities, and give campground or other presentations if requested. The intern prepares a final loon nesting summary report at the end of the summer and presents their findings at the Montana Loon Working Group summer meeting in late July. Interns assist in the entry of the loon data into the statewide loon database and other species observations into other databases as appropriate. The intern may sometimes assist other wildlife biologists with their work as needed.

Survey and monitoring methods employed during this internship may include part or all of the following: nest monitoring, careful observations to read leg bands, loon capture and banding, floating sign deployment, trail camera use, beaver activity surveys, and collection of genetic samples. Loon Ranger’s work requires the ability to work alone/independently at times and with other biologists or interns. Often this work will involve long hours (early mornings/evening surveys), sometimes hiking long distances in grizzly bear habitat and often under inclement weather conditions carrying backpacks and field gear. This position requires the use of motorized and non-motorized watercraft, including kayaks, canoes, and small motorized boats. The intern will be required to work with other biologists, law enforcement officers, interns and/or volunteers at times. Interns would work directly with FWP biologists and other FWP staff as well as partners like the U.S. Forest Service and the Montana Loon Society.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

Must be currently enrolled in a college or university.

Required:

Good communication skills. Ability to work well independently as well as with a partner or team. 1-2 years of education in biology, wildlife biology, ornithology, fisheries, resource management, or related fields. Ability to lift 35-50 lbs. Intern will need to carry a canoe and loon signs for up to 1/4-mile to some boat launches.

Ability to carry 20-40 lbs. in a backpack for up to 6 miles in a day in mountainous terrain. It is particularly important that the intern has a high level of awareness and can conduct themselves safely in the outdoors. Must be able to represent the agency in a professional manner while working with landowners and the public.

Interns need to have a cell phone available for use. Interns will need to keep in close contact with multiple agencies and organizations or individuals depending on their location and assignments. Interns from out-of-state may be required to obtain a Montana driver’s license after 90 days.

Preferred:

Ability to use 4-wheel drive vehicles and watercraft (canoes or kayaks and motorized boats) to access lakes. Familiarity with the use of binoculars and high-powered spotting scopes to identify birds and color band combinations. Binoculars and scopes will be provided.

Negotiable:

Interns will be required to use their own computer to enter data, check emails, etc. However, lack of a personal computer should not prevent applicants from applying, as there may be other arrangements that can be discussed during the interview. Interns are required to use their own hip boots or waders, as well as other basic outdoor gear including backpack, hiking boots, rain gear, and safety gear (e.g., first aid kit, fire-starting kit, etc.). However, lack of these items should not prevent applicants from applying, as other arrangements may be possible and can be discussed during the interview.