Biological Field Technician – (1446)

Interested in working outdoors? Have a wildlife-related degree you would like to put to use? Then Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) has a job opportunity for you! WEST is currently looking for 1 full-time Biological Field Technician to assist with a variety of wildlife survey work in Indiana (and potentially in neighboring states).

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: $17.75 – $21.75/hour, DOE; eligible for overtime pay
• Housing: Reimbursement may be provided based on location and duties.
• Start Date: March 2024.
• End Date: 4 – 6 months after start depending on project needs (with possibility of extension)
• Location: Northwestern Indiana: near West Lafayette, IN
• Additional Details: Field equipment needed to complete surveys will be provided by WEST. Field technicians must be equipped with suitable footwear (rugged hiking boots for pre-construction surveys or steel/composite-toed boots for post-construction surveys), appropriate clothing, and professional-grade binoculars for those conducting avian use surveyors.

Job Summary:

WEST is looking for a candidate to reside in or near Tippecanoe County or Warren County, IN and conduct wildlife surveys throughout the region. Surveys will focus on either pre-construction avian use monitoring or post-construction mortality monitoring. Primary responsibilities of pre-construction positions include avian use surveys for songbirds, hawks, eagles, and waterfowl of the region. Primary responsibilities of post-construction positions include conducting standardized searches for bird and bat carcasses beneath wind turbines. Additional survey work may include raptor nest surveys, American golden plover surveys, and bat acoustic monitoring.

Successful candidates must be able to work in a rural field setting, work well both independently and with others, and follow field and data collection protocols. Previous experience conducting avian surveys, or a background in birding, is required for avian use survey candidates; however, training will be provided for all survey types. An average workweek will be approximately 20-30 hours, though there may be weeks requiring shorter or longer hours. Candidates must be comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions and driving a four-wheel drive vehicle. Job duties require use of a compass, GPS, paper and/or electronic data collection, and/or electronic map devices.

Responsibilities include (positions may include one or both survey types depending on qualifications of applicants):

• Conducting fieldwork independently in remote locations.
• Field navigation and travel on rural roads to record data.
• Working outdoors in a range of extreme weather conditions.

Pre-construction monitoring responsibilities include:

• Avian surveys for songbirds, hawks, waterfowl, and eagles.
• Bird identification by sight and sound (experience required).
• Raptor nest surveys.
• Eagle nest monitoring surveys.

Post-construction monitoring responsibilities include:

• Surveys looking for bird and bat carcasses beneath active wind turbines.
• Participation in carcass persistence and searcher efficiency trials.
• Field and in-hand bird and bat species identification.

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

Requirements:

• Although previous experience is not required for all positions, experience conducting avian surveys or a background in birding is required for pre-construction avian use surveys.
• Candidates must be capable of recording data accurately, following study and safety protocols, following a schedule, and trouble-shooting problems in the field.
• Candidates should be able to interact positively and professionally with coworkers and landowners.
• Employees must be able to appear for work on time (surveys may begin as early as sunrise), maintain focus for long periods of time, follow instructions, and accept guidance and constructive criticism.
• Consistent communication with the team and a positive attitude is imperative.
• Environmental conditions may include working in rain, wind, mud, and temperature extremes.
• Candidates may encounter snakes, insects, and other wildlife during surveys.
• Candidates must use/wear all required personal protective equipment, such as safety vests, hard hats, and gloves as required.
• Proficient use of compass, GPS units, tablet and other field equipment is preferable.

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical condition, able to carry at least 25 lbs. walking over uneven terrain in the field. Surveys will be conducted outdoors in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme.

After an offer of employment is made, the candidate must successfully pass a pre-employment background check, drug screening, and 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.