Join the Team as a Wildlife Friendly Fence Technician!

Applications Open Until Filled

General Description:

The Ricketts Conservation Foundation, in partnership with the Upper Green Fence Initiative, seeks a Wildlife Friendly Fence Technician based in Bondurant, Wyoming. This position will support the efforts of the Wyoming Game and Fish Fence Program Manager and the Upper Green Fence Initiative. This position will be responsible for fence inventory which will inform future removal or conversion to configurations more suitable for wildlife. This work will expand upon an already high producing program that has funding, partnerships and landowners eager to do projects. Extensive presence in the field is necessary across a large area ranging from the Hoback Basin and the Upper Green River Basin to the Red Desert in Carbon, Fremont, Sublette, and Sweetwater Counties. This position will require the development of working relationships with other Ricketts Conservation Foundation employees, Wyoming Game and Fish employees, other state and federal agency personnel, local landowners, sportspersons, and non-governmental organizations to identify and implement fence improvement projects across all land ownerships within priority wildlife habitats.

Essential Functions:

The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level.

Inventory existing fences within the project area and utilize this data to prioritize fences for modification, removal, etc.
Develop organized work schedules.
Compile, edit, and disseminate reports and information.
Respond to landowner requests and assist private landowners and public land managers.
Work with minimal supervision in remote locations, difficult terrain, and in all types of weather for extended periods of time.

Knowledge & Skills:

Strong written and verbal inter-personal communication skills.
Understanding of different fence types, materials, installation techniques, and construction methods.
Knowledge of rangeland management practices.
Ability to manage projects with minimal supervision and work independently.
Experience working alone in remote locations and navigating with the use of a handheld GPS, OnX or other mapping applications such as Avenza or Field Maps.
Identifying and resolving problems that may arise during project execution.
Experience using, manipulating, and digitizing GIS or KML data for the purpose of creating maps, final reports, and project identification.
Skilled in the operation of 4x4 vehicles, ATV’s and the proper use of trucks and trailers in all types of road and environmental conditions.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Preference will be given to those pursuing a degree in wildlife, range, ecology, biology or closely related field.

**Must have a valid driver’s license.

Experience: Preference will be given to those with 1 to 2 field seasons of field experience demonstrating the knowledge and skills identified above.

Physical Working Conditions:

Be able to work in various weather conditions and environments.
Work away from the duty station for extended periods of time.
Ability to safely operate motorized equipment, including 4x4 pickup truck, and ATVs.
Ability to lift 50 pounds or more.

Position & Application Detail:

Duty Station: Bondurant, Wyoming

Housing: On-site housing or housing allowance provided.

Pay & Benefits: Wage $15.00 per hour. Relocation expenses paid up to $400. Phone compensation is $25.00 per month.

Duration: Position starts May 18^th, 2026, and ends August 22^nd, 2026

Applications: Applications will be reviewed starting March 1, 2026. Position is open until it is filled.

Please email your letter of interest, resume, and three references to Shari Meeks at [email protected]. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Join the Team as an Experienced Bird Bander!

Applications Open Until Filled

About Us: Founded on the principle that conservation is everyone’s responsibility, The Ricketts Conservation Foundation (RCF) works with private and public partners to study, protect, and enhance the populations of at-risk species within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, while working to understand how our lands can be sustainably managed.

Job Summary: We are hiring an experienced bird bander to work on a long-term project assessing songbird response to wildfires and Aspen regeneration on Monument Ridge, near the town of Bondurant, Wyoming. Specifically, we are looking for someone highly knowledgeable of songbird mist netting and banding, aging and sexing techniques, an ability to identify western birds by sight and sound, physically capable of hiking 10+ miles daily in rugged, mountainous areas above 8000 feet elevation, and an enthusiasm to assist as needed with a variety of research projects. Familiarity with the IMBCR point count protocol is preferred but not required, as the selected candidate will attend an IMBCR training week run by Bird Conservancy of the Rockies in mid-May before arriving in Bondurant. Interested applicants with suitable experience may also extend the position into the fall to help with our songbird and owl migration stations.

The Experienced Bander will work with the foundation’s Lead Bander to help run our nine (9) MAPS banding sites in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The selected candidate will be responsible for operating several low to mid-volume MAPS stations with one or two mist net assistants (set up and taking down nets, extracting, banding, aging, and sexing birds as well as recording and entering data), and work with the lead bander at our high-volume sites. They will also help monitor passerine nest boxes, check cameras traps, conduct vegetation surveys, contribute social media posts, and possibly conduct IMBCR bird surveys. The Experienced Bander will also assist the Lead Bander with project management and crew supervision.

Summer Responsibilities (May - August):
MAPS songbird mist netting and banding (70%)
IMBCR point counts (5%)
Vegetation Surveys (5%)
Camera trap monitoring and maintenance (5%)
Passerine nest box monitoring (5%)
Office Tasks (Data entry, social media posts, Net repair, Gear inventory and maintenance) (10%)

Fall Responsibilities (September – November, tentative for 1 or 2 technicians):
Owl migration mist netting and banding (50%)
Songbird migration mist netting and banding (40%)
Camera trap monitoring and maintenance (5%)
Yellowstone Clark’s Nutcracker Surveys (5%)

Hours/Schedule: This is a full-time, seasonal position with a somewhat flexible start and end date. The work schedule is typically 10 days on and 4 days off, but weather and project requirements will ultimately determine the schedule. Overtime (1.5x hourly rate) will be provided for hours beyond 40 per week. The experienced bander typically works 5-10 hours of OT each week.

Field Conditions: The study area lies at 7,000’ - 10,000’ elevation, so mornings can be cold and frosty, even in the middle of the summer. Habitat types include aspen woodlands, mixed conifer, sagebrush steppe. Grizzly bear encounters are possible, but very infrequent. Shared housing and transportation for work is provided. Our MAPS banding stations are located on rugged areas of National Forest land, and our banders need to be able to stay sure-footed while carrying birds up and down steep slopes to get between net lanes and the banding table. Occasional use of personal vehicles for work occurs but is not required. Fuel expenses are reimbursed. Technicians will need their own camping equipment and field gear as well as secure their own transportation to and from Bondurant, WY (travel costs up to $400 will be reimbursed). Bondurant is a remote town with a population of less than 100 year-round residents. The closest amenities are in Jackson and Pinedale, each a 45-minute drive from town. Recreational opportunities in the surrounding area are truly limitless, with world class fly fishing, backpacking, rafting, climbing and two national parks.

Qualifications: Substantial songbird mist netting and banding experience required (processed a minimum of 500 adult passerines). Must possess knowledge of aging and sexing techniques and qualify as a sub-permittee on the banding permit.

Excellent hearing, sight, familiarity with identifying western birds, and note taking and organizational skills are required. Familiarity with Rocky Mountain tree and shrub species is helpful but not essential. Familiarity with sexing and aging using the Pyle Guide, and how to use both HP and WRP aging systems, is highly desired. Some previous experience maintaining camera traps, monitoring nest boxes, and driving large 4WD and manual transmission vehicles is also a plus.

Applicants should have earned a degree in wildlife biology, related discipline or be working towards completing a degree. A valid driver's license is required. Applicants should possess a strong work ethic, be a quick learner, have good navigational skills, be a team player, and be willing to share living spaces with coworkers. Ideally, candidates have some experience backpacking with camping and survey equipment into remote areas and knowledge of bear avoidance protocols. The bander must be in excellent physical condition, able to lift 50 pounds, hike up to 15 miles off trail at high altitude in steep terrain, sometimes with large areas of deadfall, tolerate early mornings, long hours, adverse weather, and be comfortable not using mosquito repellents while banding (DEET and handling birds does not mix).

Duration and Salary:
May 12 (tentative) to early or mid-August with possibility of extension to mid-November
$21/hour (40 hours a week plus some overtime)
Up to $400 reimbursement for moving expenses (i.e. gas, lodging) both to and from Bondurant.

***Free housing is provided in a beautiful mountain valley, adjacent to working ranches with bison and horses. ***

To apply: In a single PDF, please send a cover letter and resume detailing how your experience and interests make you a suitable candidate as well as three references. Specify your desired start and end dates and whether you are interested in continuing through the fall season. Applicants should include a banding resume detailing locations where experience was obtained as well as rough totals of birds extracted and birds processed. Please send all materials to Josh Lefever at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until January 31st, 2026; prior to the closing date, suitable applicants may be asked to interview, and highly qualified candidates may be offered a position early.

Join the Team as an Avian Technician!

Applications Open Until Filled

Job Summary: We are hiring four avian technicians to work on a long-term project assessing songbird response to wildfires and aspen regeneration on Monument Ridge, near the town of Bondurant, Wyoming. Specifically, we are looking for candidates with previous avian point counting experience, an ability to identify western songbirds by sight and sound, knowledgeable with songbird mist netting and banding, physically capable of hiking 10+ miles daily in rugged, mountainous areas above 8000 feet elevation, and an enthusiasm to assist as needed with a variety of research projects. Familiarity with the IMBCR point count protocol is preferred but not required, as all technicians are required to attend an IMBCR training week run by Bird Conservancy of the Rockies in mid-May before arriving in Bondurant. We may retain one or two technicians to assist with our fall bird banding operations.

Technician responsibilities include assisting at our nine (9) MAPS stations (setting up and taking down nets, extracting birds, recording, and entering field data, conducting IMBCR bird surveys, monitoring passerine nest boxes, checking cameras traps, conducting vegetation surveys, and possibly assisting with Clark’s Nutcracker, Pinyon Jay, and Common Loon research projects in the Yellowstone Ecosystem. Technicians may be asked to contribute social media posts that describe their work for RCF.

Summer Responsibilities (May - August):
MAPS songbird mist netting and banding (45%)
IMBCR point counts (30%)
Vegetation Surveys (9%)
Camera trap monitoring and maintenance (5%)
Passerine nest box monitoring (5%)
Office Tasks (Data entry, social media posts) (5%)
Assisting with Common Loon and/or Clark’s Nutcracker Projects (1%)

Fall Responsibilities (September – November, tentative for 1 or 2 technicians):
Owl migration mist netting and banding (60%)
Songbird migration mist netting and banding (25%)
Camera trap monitoring and maintenance (5%)
Yellowstone Clark’s Nutcracker Surveys (5%)
Office Tasks (Data entry, social media posts) (5%)

Hours/Schedule: These are full-time, seasonal positions with somewhat flexible start and end dates. The work schedule is typically 10 days on and 4 days off, but weather and project requirements will ultimately determine the schedule. Overtime (1.5x hourly rate) will be provided for hours beyond 40 per week. Technicians typically work 0-5 hours of OT each week.

Field Conditions: The study area lies at 7,000’ - 10,000’ elevation, so mornings can be cold and frosty, even in the middle of the summer. Habitat types include aspen woodlands, mixed conifer and sagebrush steppe. Grizzly bear encounters are possible, but very infrequent. Shared housing and transportation for work is provided. Occasional use of personal vehicles for work may occur but is not required. Fuel expenses are reimbursed. Technicians will need their own camping equipment and field gear as well as secure their own transportation to and from Bondurant, WY (travel costs up to $400 will be reimbursed). Bondurant is a remote town with a population of less than 100 year-round residents. The closest amenities are in Jackson and Pinedale, each a 45-minute drive from town. Recreational opportunities in the surrounding area are truly limitless, with world class fly fishing, backpacking, rafting, climbing and two national parks.

Qualifications: Excellent hearing, sight, and a willingness to learn to identify western birds by sight and sound are required. Familiarity with Rocky Mountain tree and shrub species is helpful but not essential. Previous experience extracting passerines from mist nets is a must (minimum 100 passerines extracted). Familiarity with sexing and aging using the Pyle Guide, and how to use both HP and WRP aging systems, is a plus. Some previous experience maintaining camera traps, monitoring nest boxes, and driving large 4WD and manual transmission vehicles is also highly desirable. For those interested in staying for the fall season, previous owl banding experience is beneficial.

Applicants should have earned a degree in wildlife biology, related discipline or be working towards completing a degree. A valid driver's license is required. Applicants should possess a strong work ethic, be a quick learner, have good navigational skills, be a team player, and be willing to share living spaces with coworkers. Experience backpacking with camping and survey equipment into remote areas and knowledge of bear avoidance protocols is desirable. Technicians must be in excellent physical condition, able to lift 50 pounds, hike up to 15 miles off trail at high altitude in steep terrain, sometimes with large areas of deadfall, tolerate early mornings, long hours, adverse weather, and be comfortable not using mosquito repellents while banding (DEET and handling birds does not mix).

Duration and Salary:
May 12 (tentative) to early or mid-August with possibility of extension to mid-November
$18/hour (40 hours a week with some overtime)
Up to $400 reimbursement for moving expenses (i.e. gas, lodging) both to and from Bondurant.

***Free housing is provided in a beautiful mountain valley, adjacent to working ranches with bison and horses. ***

To apply: Send a single document including a cover letter and resume detailing how your experience and interests make you a suitable candidate, as well as three references. Please specify your availability from mid-May to early August, and whether you are interested in joining our fall season. Highly qualified banding applicants should include a banding resume detailing locations where experience was obtained as well as rough totals of birds extracted, and birds processed. Please send all materials to Josh Lefever at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until January 31st, 2026; prior to the closing date, suitable applicants may be asked to interview, and highly qualified candidates may be offered a position early.

Join the Team as an Associate Ecologist!

Applications Open December 1, 2025

Job Summary: The Associate Ecologist is a full-time position that will work closely with the Conservation Project Manager to administer RCF projects in and around the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). The Associate Ecologist will work with the Director and other RCF employees to implement conservation projects, monitor, collect and analyze data, publish results in appropriate peer-reviewed and popular outlets, and represent RCF at professional and public events.

Responsibilities:

Coordinate, schedule and implement monitoring related to the Virtual Fence Conservation Partnership projects.
Effectively coordinate and communicate with partners regarding RCF projects.
Conduct vegetation monitoring, inventory, and data analysis.
Implement other fieldwork as necessary for project success.
Assist with planning and implementing outreach and education events throughout the GYE.
Familiarity with and knowledge of all RCF projects.
Communicate project results clearly via final reports, peer-reviewed print scientific journals, online scientific journals, books, book chapters.
Write and/or review blog articles and social media posts regarding RCF projects and mission.
Present on findings to scientific and conservation organizations.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of vegetation, soils and wildlife field monitoring methods.
Knowledge of low-tech erosion control structures and beaver dam analogs.
Understanding of watershed hydrology and rangeland health.
Knowledge of rangeland management practices.
Ability to manage projects with minimal supervision and work independently.
Experience working alone in remote locations and navigating with the use of a handheld GPS, OnX or other mapping applications.
Demonstrated ability to conduct scientific research and publish results.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong leadership skills.
Able to assist project leaders achieve their goals.
Ability to prioritize tasks.
Proficient with R, Python, ARC-GIS, Excel, and SQL database management.
Experience using, manipulating, and digitizing GIS or KML data for the purpose of creating maps, final reports, and project identification.
Commitment to wildlife conservation.

Desired Skills/Abilities:

Data visualization and graphic design skills.
Familiarity with the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and its flora and fauna.
Ability with chainsaws, ATVs, snowmobiles, manual transmission trucks, general electrical work, carpentry, mechanical proficiency, and small engine maintenance.
Backcountry skills and experience
Comfortable living in a rural environment (~35 miles from Jackson, WY, 40 miles from Pinedale, WY).

Education and Experience: A bachelor’s degree in a field related to rangeland management, wildlife habitat management, soil science, conservation, watershed management or similar field required. A minimum of two years of field experience demonstrating the knowledge and skills identified above.

Physical Requirements: Position includes working with employees and partners in the field, primarily within the GYE. Ability to hike and camp in rugged back country terrain, lift and carry a 50 lb. pack, use power tools (e.g., chain saw), and operate 4x4 vehicles required.

Pay, Benefits and Work Responsibilities:

Pay range: $50,000 – $60,000, depending upon qualifications of applicant.

Housing: On-site housing or housing allowance provided.

Working remotely: Allowable December 1 – February 28.

Full benefits include medical insurance, paid vacation, and IRA.

Applications: Applications will be reviewed starting January 1, 2026. Position is open until it is filled.

Please email your letter of interest, resume, and three references to Shari Meeks at [email protected]. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Awareness of Private Lands and Wildlife Migration

Here in western Wyoming, we are a part of an ecosystem unique to the nation, known as the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). This ecosystem is a vast area, spanning over 23 million acres across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Ecologically, the GYE is considered primarily intact, remaining wild and open space, as over 70% of the land within it is owned by the United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service. Most of this public land is considered high elevation with a short growing season. The higher elevation forests and alpine habitats remained unclaimed during the settlement of the West, and after the passage of the Forest Reserve Act of 1891, became protected federal lands and in 1907, National Forests.

Figure 1: Land ownership distribution in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Figure 1: Land ownership and its distribution throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE).

While private lands in Wyoming make up 13% of the GYE, they hold the key to critical habitat connectivity and health throughout the western half of Wyoming. During settlement of the West in the early 1800’s, settlers established their homesteads at lower elevations along existing streams and riparian areas, allowing them to divert water and create hay meadows to support livestock. When the settlers began irrigating, they inadvertently expanded riparian areas. Their hay meadows not only replenished local aquifers through flood irrigation but have altered the landscape such that they are vital for many wildlife species.

To understand why private lands hold a vital role in ecosystem health in comparison to public lands, one must understand the movements of native wildlife species. Large ungulates such as moose, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and elk have natural migration patterns where these animals travel from winter range to summer range every year. Typically, summer range can be found in the high elevation lands of our national forests and parks. As snow accumulates, these animals migrate out of the high elevation habitats into lower elevations that have typically milder winters, crossing thousands of miles of fence on their journey. These animals depend on the riparian, wetland, sagebrush, and foothill shrubland habitat types that dominate our private lands for survival during the most stressful months of winter. Not only are these lands critical for ungulates, but because they are situated on perennial streams, management of private lands directly impacts the health of aquatic life and fisheries.

Figure 2: Crucial winter and summer ranges for Wyoming wildlife intersecting private lands

Figure 2: Crucial ranges for Wyoming wildlife and their intersection with private lands.

The heart of the Ricketts Conservation Foundation is a belief that conservation is everyone’s responsibility. The Natural Resources Conservation Service defines natural resource conservation as “the careful maintenance and upkeep of a natural resource to prevent it from disappearing. A natural resource is the physical supply of something that exists in nature, such as soil, water, air, plants, animals, and energy.”

Figure 3: Sunset on Tosi from the Hoback in Wyoming

Cumulatively, private lands hold a critical role in watershed and landscape health. Everything is interconnected, from the high mountain ridges to the valleys and open spaces below. Because of this, it is imperative for all landowners to understand the current state of natural resources on their property, no matter how large or small your ownership tract is.

Spring in Wyoming

Spring is slow to come at 7,000’ elevation. According to our on-site weather station observations, the average temperature for the month of April was 32 degrees F., and May has had its fair share of snow showers. But as the snow and ice melted we received our first spring arrivals (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Female (L) and male (R ) Barrow’s Goldeneye

Barrow’s Goldeneyes show up as soon as there’s any open water around. These charismatic ducks are more common further north, but like several other species, the southern edge of their breeding range lies within the Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Figure 2: Probable vole nest exposed after snowmelt. Wyoming Mountains in the background.

Other signs of life appear as the snow melts. The nests (Figure 2) and tunnels (Figure 3) that mice and voles created in the subnivean (under snow) zone during the winter are exposed. Surprisingly, the deep snows of winter create a safe and relatively warm habitat for small mammals.

Figure 3: grass-lined tunnels created by mice or voles exposed by melting snow.

Once snow sticks to the ground, the layer in contact with the ground melts or sublimates, and the resulting water vapor rises into the snowpack, where it freezes and forms an icy layer (Figure 4).

Figure 4: The subnivean zone http://archive.audubonmagazine.org/truenature/images/ice_Castle-marcocibola-lg.jpg

The snow above the ice layer provides great insulation, so the resulting space between the ground and snow remains near 32 degrees throughout the winter. Protected from most predators by this blanket of snow, rodents and shrews are free to move around at will. Some species even breed during winters as it can be safer to do so then than during summer. However, life is never risk-free for small mammals. Short-tailed weasels hunt them in their tunnels, while red fox and Great Gray Owls use their hearing to locate and then pounce on them. But on balance, life is safer for rodents in winter, as evidenced by the southward migration of most of the raptor species that prey on them from spring through fall.