Biological Field Technician – (1410)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States, 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: $17 ‒ $21/hour, DOE
• Start date:  March 15 2024
• End date:  April 30, 2024
• Location: Kansas
• Housing: Hotel and per diem will be provided
• Additional details: Transportation to the start and end of the project will be provided. Vehicle will be provided. These positions move around on a daily or almost daily basis.

Job Description:
Primary duties involve:

• Study designed to assess trends in greater prairie-chickens in Kansas.
• Study that has continued since 2015 and has helped the state access population density and lek numbers of greater prairie-chicken by sampling random blocks.
• Crew of four assisting with aerial flights to locate greater prairie-chicken leks, and ground truthing of prairie-chicken leks.
•  Hours of sitting in a helicopter scanning the landscape for birds; willingness to work closely with a crew; ability to follow standardized protocols; ability to record data in a neat and organized manner.
• Seven days of the week for the duration of the Project.
• Training is provided.

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

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, wildlife management, wildlife biology or equivalent degree preferred.
• Candidate that has worked with prairie-chickens and able to work in close quarters with crew, crew lead and project manager, field supervisor, and other coworkers.
• Candidates experienced in flying in small utility helicopters or small fixed wing planes.
• Employee must be able to appear for work on time (surveys start before sunrise) ; Maintain focus for long periods of time; Follow instructions from manager and team leader; Maintain positive attitude; And accept guidance and constructive criticism. Precise and thorough data collection is essential.

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.