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.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Adjunct Teaching - Plant & Wildlife Sciences - PWS 402: Soils and Water in the Urban Environment
Posting End Date: November 19, 2026
NOTE: Last day to apply is Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 11:59pm (MT)
Position Start Date: January 4, 2027
Required Degree:
Ph.D. The required degree must be completed by the start date.
Experience:
Teaching experience preferred. Expertise in urban soil and water management (chemistry, physics, and biology).
Duties/Expectations:
Teach PWS 402: Soils and Water in the Urban Environment class (3 credit hours). The class is in-person on Mondays and Wednesdays 8:00am - 9:50am (2 lecture hours and 2 lab hours).
Course Description:
Principles of water management, soil physics, and soil fertility used in a problem-solving environment addressing current challenges in managing soils and water in the urban landscape. The instructor for this class will work with a graduate student Teaching Assistant to perform all duties related to teaching the topics of this class, using the schedule, content, exams etc. that are found on Learning Suite, although there is flexibility for making some adjustments in these as desired, as long as the following Learning Outcomes are achieved. (1) A primary goal of this course is for students to greatly increase their knowledge base of scientific principles related to plant, water, soil, nutrient, and pest management. This will be assessed by an examination at the beginning and end of the semester, with a target of at least doubling the average scores. (2) Students will apply concepts assimilated in previous courses to solve problems associated with at least five real-world case studies. By the end of the semester, each will develop an assessment matrix for use in problem-solving situations encountered in their future careers. (3) Students will develop at least one individual and group item to add to their portfolio. Developing a diagnostic key, writing an evaluation paper, developing a group presentation, and completing a semester project could each contribute to portfolios. (4) Students will successfully write several documents, including a research paper and diagnostic key at an upperclassman level of writing. Students will actively participate in team problem solving and a Group presentation.
BELONGING STATEMENT
United by our common primary identity as children of God, BYU values equal opportunity. We also value and embrace the variety of individual characteristics, life experiences and circumstances, perspectives, talents, and gifts of each member of the BYU community and the richness and strength they bring in helping create and support an environment of covenant belonging centered in Jesus Christ. Candidates with experience in and commitment to mentoring students from a variety of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Documents Required at the Time of Application:
Please attach your updated curriculum vitae, cover letter, and Mission Alignment Statement (instructions below) to the faculty application.
Note: Failure to attach the required documents may result in your application not being considered.
This position requires the successful candidate to relocate and/or reside in Utah for the duration of their employment.
MISSION ALIGNMENT STATEMENT INSTRUCTIONS
If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. To this end, please include a one-page mission alignment statement as part of your application that addresses how you might, as a BYU faculty member: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrine and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it “bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel” (Spencer W. Kimball).
If you are not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include a one-page mission alignment statement that describes understanding of and commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the AIMS of a BYU Education.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend. All employees are required to abide by the university's Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards. Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university within the context of the principles and doctrines of the affiliated church.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
Job Title: Adjunct Teaching - Plant & Wildlife Sciences - PWS 402: Soils and Water in the Urban Environment
Posting End Date: November 19, 2026
NOTE: Last day to apply is Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 11:59pm (MT)
Position Start Date: January 4, 2027
Required Degree:
Ph.D. The required degree must be completed by the start date.
Experience:
Teaching experience preferred. Expertise in urban soil and water management (chemistry, physics, and biology).
Duties/Expectations:
Teach PWS 402: Soils and Water in the Urban Environment class (3 credit hours). The class is in-person on Mondays and Wednesdays 8:00am - 9:50am (2 lecture hours and 2 lab hours).
Course Description:
Principles of water management, soil physics, and soil fertility used in a problem-solving environment addressing current challenges in managing soils and water in the urban landscape. The instructor for this class will work with a graduate student Teaching Assistant to perform all duties related to teaching the topics of this class, using the schedule, content, exams etc. that are found on Learning Suite, although there is flexibility for making some adjustments in these as desired, as long as the following Learning Outcomes are achieved. (1) A primary goal of this course is for students to greatly increase their knowledge base of scientific principles related to plant, water, soil, nutrient, and pest management. This will be assessed by an examination at the beginning and end of the semester, with a target of at least doubling the average scores. (2) Students will apply concepts assimilated in previous courses to solve problems associated with at least five real-world case studies. By the end of the semester, each will develop an assessment matrix for use in problem-solving situations encountered in their future careers. (3) Students will develop at least one individual and group item to add to their portfolio. Developing a diagnostic key, writing an evaluation paper, developing a group presentation, and completing a semester project could each contribute to portfolios. (4) Students will successfully write several documents, including a research paper and diagnostic key at an upperclassman level of writing. Students will actively participate in team problem solving and a Group presentation.
BELONGING STATEMENT
United by our common primary identity as children of God, BYU values equal opportunity. We also value and embrace the variety of individual characteristics, life experiences and circumstances, perspectives, talents, and gifts of each member of the BYU community and the richness and strength they bring in helping create and support an environment of covenant belonging centered in Jesus Christ. Candidates with experience in and commitment to mentoring students from a variety of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Documents Required at the Time of Application:
Please attach your updated curriculum vitae, cover letter, and Mission Alignment Statement (instructions below) to the faculty application.
Note: Failure to attach the required documents may result in your application not being considered.
This position requires the successful candidate to relocate and/or reside in Utah for the duration of their employment.
MISSION ALIGNMENT STATEMENT INSTRUCTIONS
If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. To this end, please include a one-page mission alignment statement as part of your application that addresses how you might, as a BYU faculty member: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrine and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it “bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel” (Spencer W. Kimball).
If you are not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include a one-page mission alignment statement that describes understanding of and commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the AIMS of a BYU Education.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend. All employees are required to abide by the university's Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards. Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university within the context of the principles and doctrines of the affiliated church.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
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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.