OPT Wildlife Technician Jobs
Wildlife Technician jobs on OPT involve fieldwork like animal monitoring, habitat surveys, and data collection for government agencies, nonprofits, and research institutions. Many positions qualify under STEM OPT if your degree is in biology, ecology, or environmental science, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization.
Find OPT Wildlife Technician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 7+ Wildlife Technician jobs
See all Wildlife Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Wildlife Technician roles.
Get Access To All JobsJob Posting Title
Wildlife Technician
Agency
320 DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Supervisory Organization
Wildlife Conservation
Job Posting End Date
Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.
Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)
Full/Part-Time
Full time
Job Type
Regular
Compensation
$51,584.00 plus state benefit allowance.
Job Description
Under supervision of a wildlife biologist or Senior Biologist, the Wildlife Technician may assist in conducting surveys, investigations, and developments to enhance wildlife. Technicians perform a variety of duties depending on the specific program or area they are assigned to. Below is a short summary of each type of Technician position.
POSITION: Wildlife Technician
LOCATION: Packsaddle WMA
Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Technician - Maintain buildings, grounds, and equipment and/or implement assigned programs. Provide information and assistance to users on assigned areas. Periodically inspect and coordinate work of contractors on assigned areas. Assist in management of more than one wildlife area or program with multi-management objectives.
Oklahoma Land Access Program (OLAP) Technician – Set up, periodically inspect, and maintain OLAP Walk-in Areas, equipment, and signage. Assist OLAP Biologist with maintaining and expanding the OLAP. Monitor and document habitat of prospective and enrolled areas. Execute lease agreements with private landowners.
Big Game Technician - With minimal supervision conduct animal surveys on foot, UTV, watercraft or aircraft, and gather, analyze, and report biological data. Assist/lead wildlife necropsies of cervids with unknown mortality causes, maintaining sample integrity and personnel safety. Coordinate and direct work of multiple inter-division staff and volunteers on various programs and activities. The ideal candidate needs proficiency in big game identification, biology and management, and will have responsibilities with DCAP, Herd Health Evaluation (will require the collection of cervids via firearms), and other ODWC programs.
Waterfowl / Migratory Bird Technician - Assume lead responsibility for western NWCO and other ODWC programs and conducting the eastern portion of annual aerial mid-winter survey. Assist/lead necropsies of migratory birds with unknown mortality causes, maintaining sample integrity and personnel safety. Gather, analyze, and report biological data through bird banding activities and other research. Coordinate and conduct ODWC sponsored youth waterfowl hunts. Periodically coordinate work of multiple inter-divisional staff and volunteers on various programs and activities. Ideal candidate needs proficiency in migratory bird identification, biology, diseases, and management.
Wetland Technician - Act independently or with others to assess, design, bid, and install/repair wetland management infrastructure, remain current on infrastructure innovations and suppliers, and provide onsite direction and approval of contracted or Departmental work. Travel to all parts of the state to coordinate and oversee projects. Periodically coordinate the work of biologists, technicians, and contractors as wetlands subject matter expert. Assist in prioritizing program budgeting needs and manage extensive purchases. Assume lead responsibilities with eastern NWCO and other ODWC programs. Haul and operate various heavy equipment. Ideal candidate needs proficiency in wetlands management.
JOB DUTIES MAY INCLUDE:
- Post boundary and highway signs to denote Wildlife Management Area lands.
- Assist in completion of wildlife surveys and inventories.
- Supplies information to sportsmen and general public.
- Maintain buildings, grounds and equipment performing tasks such as carpentry, masonry, painting, litter removal, welding, mowing and general equipment repair and maintenance. Maintain and repair roads. Construct and maintains fences in assigned areas.
- Develop and prepare food plots and performs other necessary farming operations.
- Assist in monitoring the performance of contract work and agreements.
- May be required to occasionally supervise a small group of hourly employees by assigning daily duties and checking to maintain flow of work.
- May be required to make needed purchases according to state purchasing guidelines and accounting policy.
- Maintain complete and accurate daily records and prepares required reports.
- May be required to perform other periodic duties as assigned by Supervisor.
Must have the ability to:
- Operate boats, motor vehicles, lawn mowers, UTVs/ATVs and tractors with various attachments.
- Operate and use firearms, cutting torch, and welding equipment.
- Lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds for a distance of 100 yards.
- Push / pull a minimum of 50 pounds to hook up trailers, load boats, and various other equipment.
- Walk and jog over rough terrain for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to swim.
- Work alone in remote areas.
- Endure various extremes of outdoor weather conditions.
- Work extended hours, weekends, and stay overnight out of town.
- Handle wild animals in live and dead condition, including field dressing wild game.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships, work independently, and be professional and courteous with the public and other agencies.
- Communicate clearly and effectively in public speaking situations and be able to express oneself clearly and concisely in writing.
- Operate and use small and handheld equipment and supplies.
- Use personal computer and various office equipment.
- Operate and use field traps, survey gear, and lab equipment.
- Conduct day / night audio and visual surveys.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education: Associate degree or a minimum two years college to include course work in Wildlife Management or closely related field. Four years’ experience in a Wildlife Conservation Technician position may substitute for education requirements.
You must attach a copy of your transcript to be considered for this position. Applications without an attached transcript will not be considered.
EXPERIENCE: One year’s related experience. A total of five years’ experience is required in lieu of education requirement. A completed bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management with an emphasis in Wildlife Management or related field may substitute for the experience requirement.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Thorough knowledge of capabilities and use of medium to heavy contractual and farming equipment. Have knowledge and competence in use of small hand tools and carpentry tools. Knowledge of techniques used in wildlife surveys and inventories and all aspects of agriculture practices. Skill in exercising good judgment in analyzing situations and making decisions and in establishing effective working relationships with other employees and with the general public. Be proficient in use of computers and various software applications.
Equal Opportunity Employment
The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.
If you are needing any extra assistance or have any questions relating to a job you have applied for, please click the link below and find the agency for which you applied for additional information:
Agency Contact
Job Posting Title
Wildlife Technician
Agency
320 DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Supervisory Organization
Wildlife Conservation
Job Posting End Date
Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.
Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)
Full/Part-Time
Full time
Job Type
Regular
Compensation
$51,584.00 plus state benefit allowance.
Job Description
Under supervision of a wildlife biologist or Senior Biologist, the Wildlife Technician may assist in conducting surveys, investigations, and developments to enhance wildlife. Technicians perform a variety of duties depending on the specific program or area they are assigned to. Below is a short summary of each type of Technician position.
POSITION: Wildlife Technician
LOCATION: Packsaddle WMA
Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Technician - Maintain buildings, grounds, and equipment and/or implement assigned programs. Provide information and assistance to users on assigned areas. Periodically inspect and coordinate work of contractors on assigned areas. Assist in management of more than one wildlife area or program with multi-management objectives.
Oklahoma Land Access Program (OLAP) Technician – Set up, periodically inspect, and maintain OLAP Walk-in Areas, equipment, and signage. Assist OLAP Biologist with maintaining and expanding the OLAP. Monitor and document habitat of prospective and enrolled areas. Execute lease agreements with private landowners.
Big Game Technician - With minimal supervision conduct animal surveys on foot, UTV, watercraft or aircraft, and gather, analyze, and report biological data. Assist/lead wildlife necropsies of cervids with unknown mortality causes, maintaining sample integrity and personnel safety. Coordinate and direct work of multiple inter-division staff and volunteers on various programs and activities. The ideal candidate needs proficiency in big game identification, biology and management, and will have responsibilities with DCAP, Herd Health Evaluation (will require the collection of cervids via firearms), and other ODWC programs.
Waterfowl / Migratory Bird Technician - Assume lead responsibility for western NWCO and other ODWC programs and conducting the eastern portion of annual aerial mid-winter survey. Assist/lead necropsies of migratory birds with unknown mortality causes, maintaining sample integrity and personnel safety. Gather, analyze, and report biological data through bird banding activities and other research. Coordinate and conduct ODWC sponsored youth waterfowl hunts. Periodically coordinate work of multiple inter-divisional staff and volunteers on various programs and activities. Ideal candidate needs proficiency in migratory bird identification, biology, diseases, and management.
Wetland Technician - Act independently or with others to assess, design, bid, and install/repair wetland management infrastructure, remain current on infrastructure innovations and suppliers, and provide onsite direction and approval of contracted or Departmental work. Travel to all parts of the state to coordinate and oversee projects. Periodically coordinate the work of biologists, technicians, and contractors as wetlands subject matter expert. Assist in prioritizing program budgeting needs and manage extensive purchases. Assume lead responsibilities with eastern NWCO and other ODWC programs. Haul and operate various heavy equipment. Ideal candidate needs proficiency in wetlands management.
JOB DUTIES MAY INCLUDE:
- Post boundary and highway signs to denote Wildlife Management Area lands.
- Assist in completion of wildlife surveys and inventories.
- Supplies information to sportsmen and general public.
- Maintain buildings, grounds and equipment performing tasks such as carpentry, masonry, painting, litter removal, welding, mowing and general equipment repair and maintenance. Maintain and repair roads. Construct and maintains fences in assigned areas.
- Develop and prepare food plots and performs other necessary farming operations.
- Assist in monitoring the performance of contract work and agreements.
- May be required to occasionally supervise a small group of hourly employees by assigning daily duties and checking to maintain flow of work.
- May be required to make needed purchases according to state purchasing guidelines and accounting policy.
- Maintain complete and accurate daily records and prepares required reports.
- May be required to perform other periodic duties as assigned by Supervisor.
Must have the ability to:
- Operate boats, motor vehicles, lawn mowers, UTVs/ATVs and tractors with various attachments.
- Operate and use firearms, cutting torch, and welding equipment.
- Lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds for a distance of 100 yards.
- Push / pull a minimum of 50 pounds to hook up trailers, load boats, and various other equipment.
- Walk and jog over rough terrain for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to swim.
- Work alone in remote areas.
- Endure various extremes of outdoor weather conditions.
- Work extended hours, weekends, and stay overnight out of town.
- Handle wild animals in live and dead condition, including field dressing wild game.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships, work independently, and be professional and courteous with the public and other agencies.
- Communicate clearly and effectively in public speaking situations and be able to express oneself clearly and concisely in writing.
- Operate and use small and handheld equipment and supplies.
- Use personal computer and various office equipment.
- Operate and use field traps, survey gear, and lab equipment.
- Conduct day / night audio and visual surveys.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education: Associate degree or a minimum two years college to include course work in Wildlife Management or closely related field. Four years’ experience in a Wildlife Conservation Technician position may substitute for education requirements.
You must attach a copy of your transcript to be considered for this position. Applications without an attached transcript will not be considered.
EXPERIENCE: One year’s related experience. A total of five years’ experience is required in lieu of education requirement. A completed bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management with an emphasis in Wildlife Management or related field may substitute for the experience requirement.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Thorough knowledge of capabilities and use of medium to heavy contractual and farming equipment. Have knowledge and competence in use of small hand tools and carpentry tools. Knowledge of techniques used in wildlife surveys and inventories and all aspects of agriculture practices. Skill in exercising good judgment in analyzing situations and making decisions and in establishing effective working relationships with other employees and with the general public. Be proficient in use of computers and various software applications.
Equal Opportunity Employment
The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.
If you are needing any extra assistance or have any questions relating to a job you have applied for, please click the link below and find the agency for which you applied for additional information:
Agency Contact
See all OPT Wildlife Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Wildlife Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Wildlife Technician
Target STEM-designated programs
If your degree is in biology, ecology, wildlife science, or environmental science, confirm it carries a STEM designation. STEM OPT gives you 36 months of work authorization, which makes you significantly more attractive to agencies hiring seasonal or multi-year field technicians.
Apply to federal and state agencies early
USDA Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and state wildlife agencies regularly hire field technicians. Federal hiring timelines run long, so apply three to four months before your intended start date to avoid gaps in your OPT work authorization.
Highlight GIS and data analysis skills
Wildlife Technician roles increasingly require ArcGIS, R, or Python for spatial analysis and population modeling. Listing these technical skills separates your application from candidates with only fieldwork experience and signals readiness for the analytical side of conservation work.
Be upfront about your OPT timeline
Many hiring managers at nonprofits and research institutions are unfamiliar with OPT. Briefly explain your authorization period and STEM extension eligibility in your cover letter. Clear, proactive communication prevents misunderstandings that can derail otherwise strong applications.
Pursue AmeriCorps and conservation corps roles
Conservation corps and AmeriCorps positions often qualify as valid OPT employment if the role matches your field of study. These roles build fieldwork experience quickly and frequently lead to direct hires at the agencies and land management organizations that partner with them.
Document every employer's E-Verify enrollment
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Before accepting any Wildlife Technician offer, confirm E-Verify enrollment in writing. This is a non-negotiable requirement, and discovering it late can jeopardize your extension application timeline.
Wildlife Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Wildlife Technician jobs qualify for STEM OPT?
Wildlife Technician roles can qualify for STEM OPT if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as biology, ecology, wildlife science, or environmental science. The role itself must also be directly related to your field of study. Positions focused on data collection, population monitoring, or habitat analysis typically meet this standard. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying.
Can I work seasonal Wildlife Technician jobs on OPT?
Yes, seasonal positions count as valid OPT employment as long as the work is directly related to your degree. However, USCIS requires OPT students to work at least 20 hours per week. Short gaps between seasonal contracts are permitted if you can document active job searching. Stringing multiple seasonal roles together throughout your OPT period is a common and accepted approach in conservation careers.
Where can I find Wildlife Technician jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the recommended platform for OPT students searching for Wildlife Technician jobs. It surfaces roles from employers familiar with work authorization requirements, making it easier to identify opportunities where OPT and STEM OPT are genuinely considered. Federal and state agency postings, university research programs, and conservation nonprofits are the most consistent sources of OPT-eligible field technician positions.
Do I need E-Verify enrollment from a government agency employer on STEM OPT?
Yes, E-Verify enrollment is required for all STEM OPT employers, including government agencies and nonprofits. Most federal agencies are already enrolled, but state agencies and smaller conservation organizations vary. Always verify enrollment before submitting your I-983 training plan. Your DSO cannot approve the STEM extension until the employer's E-Verify status is confirmed, so check this before accepting an offer.
What counts as a qualifying Wildlife Technician role for OPT purposes?
A qualifying role must be directly related to your field of study and involve at least 20 hours of paid work per week. For wildlife and ecology graduates, roles involving animal monitoring, habitat assessment, population surveys, or environmental data analysis generally qualify. Purely administrative positions or roles with no connection to your degree field would not meet the standard. Your DSO can help you evaluate a specific job offer if you're uncertain.