Biological Field Technician – (1408)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for a temporary, part time, Biological Field Technician. 

WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data. Since its founding in 1990, the WEST team has shaped the foundation of what we do, and what we believe in through our core values and key principles. Our work matters to our clients, communities, and the environment. Join WEST and discover a company of passionate, committed, and highly motivated individuals.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

Key Details:

• Compensation: $18.00 – $22.00/hour, DOE
• Housing: Not Provided
• Start Date: February 5, 2024 (can be flexible)
• End Date: October 2024
• Location: Rapid City, SD; Spearfish, SD; or surrounding area
• Additional Details: Completion bonus of $500 once project is complete (if in good standing). Typical work schedule includes 40-60 hours/month. GPS and other field-related equipment (hard hat and High-Viz safety vests) will be provided by WEST while conducting work.

Job Summary:

The successful candidate for this position will be:

• Self-motivated and able to work independently with the ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with WEST supervisors and client contacts.
• Have experience conducting post-construction monitoring at wind projects (preferred).

Responsibilities include: 

• Conduct standardized fatality searches (i.e., beneath wind turbines) to locate bird and bat fatalities.
• Conduct field work in remote locations and work will include field navigation.
• Conduct other fieldwork (bias trials) as needed and experience allows.

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of all the duties which may be associated with this position.

Requirements:

• High school diploma; however, some college experience and/or a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree is preferred.
• Preference will be given to those candidates that have experience conducting post-construction monitoring at wind energy projects or other biological field survey experience.
• Must have a dependable personal vehicle that can travel off highway dirt roads (SUV or 4X4 Truck preferred). Work mileage will be reimbursed based on standard federal rates.
• Comfortable (little to no training needed) using topographic maps, compass, GPS units, and other field equipment is required.
• Experience with macro-photography and taking identification photos of wildlife.
• Must be able to maintain equipment.
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, landowners, and other field staff.
• Technician must be equipped with and provide own suitable footwear (rugged composite-toed boots), clothing.
• Candidate must be a self-starter, can appear for work on time, maintain focus for long periods of time, follow instructions from the supervisors, maintain positive attitude, and accept guidance and constructive criticism.
• Candidate must be able to perform duties with limited supervision.
• Follow all WEST and job site safety protocols, required.
• Training will be provided for all survey efforts and job-related activities.

Physical Requirements:

• Candidates must be in good physical condition, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme.
• Candidate must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, ticks and other biting arthropods, driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, dust, extreme heat and cold).
• Ability to walk long distances (10+ miles) sometimes in hot conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

After an offer of employment is made, the candidate must 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.  A valid driver’s license will be required. Candidates must adhere to all health and safety requirements. 

WEST provides 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.  Further, WEST takes 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.