Biological Field Technician – (1534)

Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for a temporary Biological Field Technician near Bakersfield, California.

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: $25.00 – $29.00/hour, DOE
• Start date: Late August 2024 (Depending on construction schedules)
• End date: October 31, 2026, with great potential to extend based on available work and interest of the applicant.
• Location: near Bakersfield, California
• Housing: If not local (within one-hour drive from project) housing allowance up to $1000/month may be available. Must be willing to live in Bakersfield or Paso Robles, California or within a one-hour drive to the facility.
• Additional details: Use of personal vehicle (high clearance with AWD/4WD ideal but not necessary) is strongly preferred (mileage reimbursement at the federal rate will be provided). If a personal vehicle is not available, a company vehicle/rental may be available for use. PPE, GPS unit, compass, camera, and range finder (if necessary) will be provided by WEST; however, technician must be equipped with their own appropriate field clothing, binoculars, and safety toe boots (steel or plastic).

Job Description:

• Conduct biological clearance surveys and construction monitoring prior to and during the construction of a large, utility-scale, photovoltaic solar facility located approximately one-hour away from Bakersfield, California.
• Field work will require working closely with project construction crews as well as a Lead Biologist. Employees must demonstrate professionalism in conduct during all work.
• Surveys will include surveys for state and federally sensitive/listed species, generally conducted prior to excavation and construction activities.
• Clearing and construction surveys will require long days of continuous walking and close proximity to construction crews and other team members. Surveyors may be required to walk in excess of 10 miles per day.
• Candidates must be comfortable with hazards typical of the desert environment including: sharp vegetation, extreme temperatures, venomous snakes, and dehydration; and must be comfortable operating 4X4 vehicles in rough terrain.
• Workloads are expected to average 50-65 hours per week.
• Candidates proficient in electronic data collection (tablet data forms) and data management preferred.
• Job duties will require use of compass/phone-based global positioning system (GPS) devices, binoculars, range finders, and tablets as well as the ability to maintain equipment throughout the season.
• Technician should have at minimum, a familiarity with desert ecosystems and common species of wildlife encountered in the region (of particular interest are burrowing owl, San Joaquin kit fox, American badger, Swainson’s hawk, and nesting birds). Experience with pre-construction clearance and construction monitoring is a plus.
• Training will be provided for all Project-specific topics.
• Technicians will be expected to use good judgment and follow WEST and Project protocols to stay healthy, safe, and efficient.

These are general descriptions of the functions for these positions and are not inclusive of the duties which may be associated with these positions.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, wildlife management, wildlife biology or equivalent degree preferred; however, undergraduates and enthusiastic workers with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.  
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients, and landowners.
• Ability to follow protocol is essential.
• Flora and fauna identification skills for species in the region and ability to use guides and keys for identification are preferred.
• Skilled use of GPS units, topographic maps, compass, and other field equipment is required.
• Job requires the person filling this position to be able to appear for work on time; follow instructions from project managers and field supervisors; interact effectively with coworkers and clients; maintain a positive attitude; and accept guidance and constructive criticism.
• Precise and thorough data collection is essential.

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in excellent physical shape, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme.
• Applicants must be able to hike 10+miles/day in all weather conditions (excluding unsafe conditions, during which work will be delayed).

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.  

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.