Maryland Black Bear Research Project
Wildlife Technician Openings
The Mullinax Applied Spatial and Wildlife Ecology Lab (ASWEL) in the Environmental Science and Technology (ENST) Department is seeking dedicated individuals to assist with a research project for the spring and summer of 2026. The project will investigate black bear (Ursus americanus) population demographics across western and eastern Maryland using hair-snare population estimation designs.
Spring 2026 Volunteer Opportunities (20 hrs/week):
● Camera trap photo processing using TimeLapse
● Contacting landowners for site permission
● Building hair snares across western and eastern Maryland
● Collaborating on a metareview relating to black bear range expansion in the US
● Potential ability to assist with other ASWEL projects
In the spring, volunteers are required to work 20 hours per week, assisting with various bear project duties when needed. In the summer, we offer paid technician positions, volunteer opportunities, and internship credit positions for students. All positions require living in a field house with people from diverse backgrounds, a clean driving record, vaccination and COVID-19 booster status, and compliance with University of Maryland protocols.
Summer 2026 Duties and Preferred Qualifications:
● Good orienteering and time management skills
● Ability to process data independently
● Must be comfortable working early mornings, some evenings, and long days
● Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive field vehicles or personal vehicles
● Able to walk 10+ miles in steep terrain and be comfortable lifting/carrying 50 lbs. ● Ability to conduct field work during hot and humid conditions with biting insects ● Prior field experience working in adverse field conditions is recommended
● Ability to communicate effectively with crew members and professionally with the public ● Ability to pass a standard background check
● Preference for skills in GPS orienteering and non-GPS orienteering (map and
compass)
● Willingness to live in a field house during summer
● Willing to drive or be transported for long periods of time between hair snare sites
Fieldwork requires comfortable hiking attire, including long socks, breathable long pants, and hiking boots. Individuals are also required to work ~40 hours a week.
For more details, please direct your questions to the email addresses below. To apply, please send a single PDF labeled “Lastname_BearProject26” (ex: Jones_BearProject26) with your resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts to the black bear project email: md.bearproject@umd.edu