Biological Field Technician

Western EcoSystems Technology • Douglas, WY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) is a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada. They are seeking a temporary, full-time Biological Field Technician in Wyoming. WEST, founded in 1990, focuses on basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data. The role involves conducting fatality monitoring for bird and bat fatalities beneath operating wind turbines, participating in carcass persistence and searcher efficiency trials, and performing field and in-hand identification, aging, and sexing of bird and bat species. There may also be opportunities for additional biological surveys. The position requires working long days in varying temperatures and wind speeds, often in inclement conditions, and involves extensive walking. Candidates must be comfortable with environmental hazards such as sharp vegetation, driving four-wheel drive vehicles, dust, and extreme heat and cold. Training will be provided for all survey efforts and job-related activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, wildlife management, wildlife biology or equivalent degree preferred; however, undergraduates and enthusiastic workers are encouraged to apply
• Ability to travel an hour or more to and from work sites and between survey locations safely
• Be punctual and reliable
• Ability to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients, and landowners
• Skilled use of GPS units, topographic maps, compass, computers, and other field equipment
• Be organized
• Maintain a positive attitude
• Accept guidance and constructive criticism
• Ability to walk/stand for most of the workday in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme
• Ability to lift 25+ lbs.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment background check, drug screening, and a DMV records check that meets WEST’s minimum criteria to operate a motor vehicle on behalf of the company
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Adhere to all health and safety requirements
• Provide own suitable footwear safety toed footwear (steel or composite-toe), quality binoculars, appropriate field clothing and gear

Nice To Haves

• Skill with ATV/UTV
• Candidates with field experience, especially on wind farms
• Good bird identification skills for species in the region
• Ability to identify bats in the region
• Use of guides and keys for identification
• Experience with electronic data collection

Responsibilities

• Conduct fatality monitoring for bird and bat fatalities beneath operating wind turbines
• Participate in carcass persistence and searcher efficiency trials
• Perform field and in-hand (via specimen) identification, aging, and sexing of bird and bat species
• Conduct additional biological surveys (potential opportunities)
• Follow all safety protocols for WEST and the wind energy facilities
• Use good judgment to stay safe and work efficiently
• Maintain equipment
• Follow detailed field and data collection protocol
• Collect and manage data, including implementing quality control measures
• Follow instructions from project managers and field supervisors
• Interact effectively with coworkers and clients
• Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive data
• Ensure precise and thorough data collection

Benefits

• Rent Reimbursement: Up to $800 for applicants that qualify
• A work vehicle or mileage reimbursement will be provided
• Other required PPE will be provided
• Equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, genetics, and any protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law
• Affirmative action to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly, and without discrimination, for recruitment, selection, advancement and every other term and privilege associated with employment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level