Biological Field Technician – (1579)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for a temporary, full-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: $17.75-19.50/hr DOE; eligible for overtime pay
• Housing: Partial rent reimbursement may be provided to qualifying applicants
• Start Date: approximately July 22, 2024
• End Date: October 15, 2024
• Location: Benton County, IN
• Additional Details: Mileage reimbursement at the federal rate will be provided for personal vehicle use.  Compass, range finder, tablet and other standard field equipment will be provided by WEST, however, technician must be equipped with, and provide their own suitable safety-toed boots, field appropriate clothing, and binoculars.

Job Summary:

The biological field technician will work independently, but within a larger team, to collect data used to assess the impacts of wind turbines on bats and birds. Training, both virtual and in person, will be provided to the successful candidates, allowing them to gain hands-on field experience. An average work week will include 30-40 hours conducting standardized searches for bat and bird carcasses beneath wind turbines, though there may be weeks requiring fewer hours, overtime, or weekend work. Training will be provided on bat identification as well as field data collection.

Job Description:

Primary duties involve:

• Conducting fatality monitoring for bird and bat carcasses beneath operating wind turbines
• Participation in carcass persistence and searcher efficiency trials
• Field identification of midwestern bat and bird species
• Use of compass, global positioning system devices, binoculars, range finders, and Android tablets as well as the ability to maintain equipment.

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, biology or equivalent degree preferred; however, undergraduates and enthusiastic workers are encouraged to apply.
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with coworkers and landowners.
• Technicians will be expected to use good judgment to stay safe and work efficiently. Ability to follow protocol is essential.
• Technicians will be required to follow all safety protocols for WEST and the wind energy facilities, including using/wearing all required personal protective equipment such as safety vest, hard hats and gloves as required.
• Good identification skills for bat and bird species in the region; ability to use guides and keys for identification is preferred.
• Skilled use of GPS units, 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.
• Consistent communication with the team and a positive attitude is imperative.

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical condition, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme.
• Fieldwork to conduct fatality monitoring will require long days walking, standing and kneeling in a range of temperatures and wind speeds.
• Candidates must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, biting or stinging insects, dust, extreme heat and cold).

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