Biological Field Technician – (1551)

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

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: $20+ DOE
• Housing: None
• Start Date: June 2024
• End Date: Open
• Location: near Las Vegas, NV; candidates located throughout the Southwest encouraged to apply.
• Additional Details: Biologist must be equipped with and provide own suitable footwear (rugged hiking boots, safety-toe boots, etc.), clothing, and binoculars

Job Summary:

The successful candidate will be:

• An independent self-motivated individual who is skilled in bird identification and has previous experience conducting avian use surveys at pre & post-construction sites.
• The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in various (extreme) weather conditions and terrains and have a passion for wildlife
• Candidates interested in full- or part-time work encouraged to apply

Responsibilities may include:

• Conduct fixed-point count surveys for avian species
• Conduct ground-based raptor nest surveys and monitoring
• Deploy and maintain acoustic bat equipment
• Conduct surveys for rare plants
• Conduct post-construction fatality surveys at wind and/or solar facilities
• Other seasonal wildlife surveys as needed

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:

• Must be able to identify Southwest and Great Basin birds by sight and sound
• Previous experience conducting biological field studies and/or prior field experience
• Skilled use of topographic maps, compass, GPS units, and other field equipment
• Must be able to maintain equipment
• Must be comfortable and stay safe working in extreme temperatures, and with other risks associated with field work (e.g., venomous reptiles, rough roads)
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, clients, landowners, and other biologists
• Follow all WEST safety protocols 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree
• Well-rounded ecologists with landscape-level understanding of the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts and Great Basin ecosystems encouraged to apply
• Skill driving 4×4 vehicles in rough terrain, including best driving practices and vehicle extraction techniques

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical shape, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme
• Field work will entail long hours of standing and observing, sometimes in inclement conditions, at or before sunrise, and walking in varying terrain

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.

EducationBachelor’s Degree