Title: CWD Technician

State Role Title: Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Hiring Range: Hourly Wage starts at $16.26 (wage to commensurate with experience)

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept of Wildlife Resources

Location: Montgomery County Territory

Agency Website: https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/home

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

We are seeking dedicated individuals to support Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) monitoring efforts across Disease Management Areas (DMAs) 1, 2, 3, and 4 during the 2025–26 deer hunting season. These seasonal positions play a vital role in our statewide wildlife health initiative and are critical to successfully collecting and processing thousands of deer samples.

Primary responsibilities include:

Collecting CWD samples and deer heads from processors, taxidermists, and designated drop-off locations

Preparing and shipping samples to the laboratory

Accurately entering data into agency systems

Work will be based in multiple locations, including a Blacksburg station, which will expand coverage this season to include six additional counties.

If you’re passionate about wildlife health, fieldwork, and contributing to meaningful conservation efforts, we encourage you to apply and be a part of this important mission.

Minimum Qualifications

● Ability to focus on a computer screen
● Attention to detail for data entry
● Computer proficiency, preferably with Windows operating environment
● Organizational and logistical skills
● Ability to decipher and manage large volumes of handwritten data
● Demonstrated interpersonal skills
● Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
● Ability to understand and interpret scientific and natural resource information
● Able to work independently with minimal supervision
● Willingness to collect biological samples from deceased animals
● Capable of working in the office or in the field
● Willingness to drive long distances

Additional Considerations

High School Diploma

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: Marlo Gibson

Phone: 804-367-0243

Email: careers@dwr.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.