Biological Field Technician – (1464)

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

Since 1990, WEST has grown to be one of the premier environmental and statistical consulting firms in the United States. Biological Field Technicians will assist with multiple pre-construction and/or post-construction wildlife surveys at wind and/or solar energy facilities.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

Key Details:

• Compensation: Part-time (20 hours or less per week); $17 – $21/hour, DOE,
• Housing: up to $500/month housing reimbursement for applicants relocating for the position.
• Start Date: 3/25/24
• End Date: 5/15/24
• Location: McDonough and Warren Counties, IL
• Bonus: candidates who successfully complete the season in good standing are eligible for a $500 completion bonus
• Additional Details: GPS units and other field and safety equipment will be provided by WEST. Field technicians must be equipped with steel/composite-toed boots and appropriate clothing.  Mileage for personal vehicle use will be reimbursed at the federal rate; a rental vehicle will be provided as necessary. Applicants living within an hour of Sciota, IL are strongly encouraged to apply–commute time to and from the work site will be compensated.

Job Summary:

The successful candidates for this position will:

• Conduct standardized searches for bird and bat carcasses beneath wind turbines.
• Be able to work in a rural field setting, work well both independently and with others, and follow field and data entry protocols.
• An average work week will be approximately 10 – 20 hours, with 2-3 days worked/week.
• Training will be provided

Responsibilities include:

• Standardized fatality searches.
• Standardized protocols to measure sources of bias in fatality surveys.
• Potential opportunities to conduct additional biological surveys.
• Candidates must strictly adhere to all safety protocols and PPE requirements.

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:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree preferred. Highly motivated current students are encouraged to apply.
• Familiarity with macro-photography and experience with bat and bird identification of Midwestern species or ability to identify species using guides/keys is preferred.
• Experience with use of computers, compass, rangefinder, Android tablet, and GPS devices is preferred
• Candidates must be organized, and able to collect and manage data, including implementing quality control measures
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients, and landowners
• Employee must start work on time (surveys often begin at sunrise); maintain focus for long periods of time; follow both written and verbal instructions from manager; maintain a positive attitude; and accept guidance and constructive criticism. Precise and thorough data collection are essential.
• Ability to pass a background check with a clean motor vehicle driving record.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical condition, as surveys will require walking for entire shifts in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme. Will require lifting and carrying up to 45 pounds of gear.
• Applicants must be comfortable performing job duties underneath active wind turbines situated on fields used for industrial agriculture
• Technicians must be equipped with and provide own suitable safety toed footwear (rugged hiking boots, etc.), and field and season appropriate clothing

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.