Biological Field Technician – (1864)

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, for up to one year.

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: $19.00 – $22.50/hr, DOE
• Housing: up to $700 month stipend for qualifying candidates
• Start Date: January 2026 (as soon as possible)
• End Date: December 2026
• Location: Lamar, CO and surrounding towns
• Additional Details: GPS units and other field equipment will be provided by WEST. Field technicians must be equipped with professional-grade binoculars (10x magnification at minimum), suitable footwear (rugged hiking boots), and appropriate clothing.

Job Description:

WEST is looking for one candidate to reside in or near Lamar, Colorado. The primary responsibilities for this position are to conduct avian use surveys for large and small birds, with opportunities to help with other aspects of this project and surrounding projects as needed. Successful candidates must be able to work in a rural field setting, work well both independently and with others, and follow field and data entry protocols. Previous experience conducting avian use surveys is preferred but can train the right candidate with previous birding experience. Training will be provided. This is a full-time limited tenure position, though there may be weeks requiring shorter or longer hours depending on seasonal objectives, weather and project workloads.

The primary duties include:

• Avian use surveys for large and small birds, including bald and golden eagles in varying age classes
• Raptor nest surveys
• Prairie dog colony delineations
• Acoustic bat surveys
• This job includes conducting field work in a remote location.
• Fieldwork may include travel on limited maintenance roads within project area, field navigation, and observing and recording for avian activity (previous experience preferred).
• The job will consist of up to 8 to 12-hour days, including travel time.
• Field conditions will include a range of extreme high and low temperatures and varying high wind speeds.
• Candidate must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, dust, extreme heat and cold). Job duties require bird identification and the use of a compass, GPS, paper and electronic map devices.

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:

• Candidates must be capable of identifying birds by sight and sound, recording data correctly, following study and safety protocols, keeping on schedule, and trouble-shooting problems in the field.
• Previous experience conducting avian surveys is required.
• Strong communications skills. Candidates should be able to interact positively and professionally with project manager, field coordinator, landowners, and other technicians.
• Candidates must be able to appear for work on time (surveys often begin as early as sunrise), maintain focus for long periods of time, follow instructions from the team leader, maintain positive attitude, and accept guidance and constructive criticism.
• Consistent communication with the team is imperative.
• Environmental conditions include working in rain, wind, mud, and very cold or hot temperatures.
• Candidates may encounter snakes, insects, and other wildlife.
• Proficient use of binoculars, topographic maps, compass, GPS units, and other field equipment required.
• Must be comfortable driving a 4WD vehicle.

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical condition, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme, sometimes away from roads and vehicles.

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.