Description
Title: Wildlife Diversity/Natural Heritage Zoology Technician: West Virginia
Pay Rate: $15.00 to $17.00 per hour based on experience
Start Date: September 21, 2026
Duration: Not to exceed 2080 hours per calendar year. Good possibility of renewal.
Supervisor: Mack Frantz, Wildlife Diversity/Natural Heritage Zoologist
Housing: The applicant will be expected to secure their own housing. Temporary shared bunk housing may be available by request at the Elkins Operation Center (EOC). Ongoing projects are state-wide, but Elkins is central to the majority of the work.
Location: Elkins Operation Center (EOC), 738 Ward Rd, Elkins, WV 26241 office. Field work state-wide.
Description: Under the direction of the Wildlife Diversity/Natural Heritage Zoologist, the Wildlife Diversity/Natural Heritage Zoology Technician will assist with biological monitoring and research projects related to non-game small mammals and invertebrates statewide, to include, but not limited to, raccoon roundworm surveys within Allegheny Woodrat habitat, Greenbrier Crayfish monitoring, and Motus wildlife tracking system installation projects. Field work will primarily be concentrated May-October, with office and lab components January-April and November-December. Lab components will include creation of voucher specimens and tissue sampling from small mammal by-catch, and sorting/identification of hair samples from hair snares. As part of the Natural Heritage Program, the Zoology Technician will concurrently assist in Biotics data management, data archiving, data review, data requests, and data entry of species of greatest conservation need (SGCNs) using NatureServe methodology and standards.
This is a great opportunity for a recent graduate to gain invaluable experience working for a state fish and wildlife agency and network with wildlife professionals. The Zoology Technician will have potential opportunities to assist the Zoologist with staff projects from all non-game taxa groups as they arise and learn Natural Heritage methodology. The position is allotted 2080 hours annually with good possibility of renewal.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications: A B.S. or B.A. in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, or similar field. M.S. preferred. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record is required. Experience with identifying regional flora and fauna, especially small mammals and invertebrates. Experience using Microsoft Office programs (e.g. Excel and Access), Google Workspace (e.g. Docs and Sheets), and creating professional documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. Experience using R/RStudio and ArcMap GIS preferred; preference will be given to applicants with experience in data management and R/RStudio competency. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination preferred and will be required for handling live mammals. Able to assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects and demands. The applicant must be able to endure sometimes long field days in difficult, rocky terrain and working up to 40 hours in the field each week. Must be detail-oriented and able to maintain a supplies inventory and make project purchases on a budget. Ability to learn and solve complex problems independently in the field and office with little supervision. Must be okay with carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment in the field.
Application Materials: Applications should include a current resume or CV detailing the applicant’s education and relevant experience, a cover letter explaining how the applicant meets all the minimum qualifications, and contact information for three professional references. Applications should be saved as a single PDF or Word document and emailed to Mack Frantz at mack.w.frantz@wv.gov by August 21st, 2026 at 11:59PM to be considered.
The State of West Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer
