Location: Wyoming, USA

Compensation: $28-40/hr, depending on experience. Dog compensation: $60/day of field work.

Logistics: Housing will be provided. Vehicle mileage will be reimbursed at federal rate (for use of personal vehicle), otherwise, a rental vehicle will be provided. Field safety equipment for both handler and dogs will be provided.

Terms of Position: June 1 - August 31, 2025 (with the possibility of extension). This is a full-time, seasonal position.

Apply by: February 16, 2025

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Alongside the Director of Conservation, acquire and properly store training materials 
• Train dog to detect target odor, including:
  • Imprinting
  • Generalization as needed
  • Discrimination as needed
• Prepare the dog for weather, terrain, and topographical conditions
  • Physical conditioning
  • Odor dynamics/search strategy training
• Safely arrive at the field site 
• Conduct pre-survey training on-site as part of field readiness testing
• Conduct surveys on-site beneath wind turbines
  • Dog warm-up and pre-field checkup
  • Navigate survey area with GPS device
  • Collect data on bat and bird carcasses, per established protocols
  • Enter data into a handheld device and routinely check for accuracy
  • Dog cool-down, grooming, and care at the end of each survey day
  • Submission of data sheets and GPS files on time
• Participate in searcher efficiency bias trials
• Complete biweekly timesheet and expense report
• Attend monthly team meetings

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required:

• Own at least one suitable candidate dog, preferably two, with current vaccinations
• Strong understanding of animal training, behavior, and welfare; knowledge in scent theory preferred
• Ability to safely handle, control, and transport dog(s) in varied field conditions
• Proficient in data collection, storage, management, and QA/QC protocols
• Skilled in managing real-time fieldwork variables, including wind direction, topography, ground cover, and carcass decomposition
• Ability to work independently, while effectively communicating with team members, site management, and project partners
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule that may vary in hours each week, as well as early start times depending on the season and project needs

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk 4-8 miles per day over uneven terrain in variable weather conditions
• Comfortable with exposure to environmental hazards, such as dense/tall vegetation, insects, cacti, wildlife (i.e. rattlesnakes), livestock, mud, hot and cold extremes, and high winds

Additional requirement: Valid driver's license

To Apply: Submit an application using this Form.