Biological Field Technician – (1919)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) is a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for a temporary, part-time, Biological Field Technician.

Since 1990, WEST has grown to be one of the premier environmental and statistical consulting firms in the United States. WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

 Key Details:

• Compensation: $24-26/ hr depending on experience.
• Start date: May 14,2026
• End Date: December 31, 2026
• Location: Mojave Desert—San Bernadino County, CA
• Additional details: Preference will be given to candidates with AWD or 4WD personal vehicles. Mileage reimbursement will be provided. GPS unit, camera, and compass (if necessary) will be provided by WEST; however, technician must be equipped to provide own appropriate field clothing including steel-toed boots and binoculars.

Job Description:

• Conducting fatality monitoring for avian detections at a large-scale solar facility.
• Preference will be given to technicians with the ability to identify birds of the Southwestern US
• Fieldwork will require long days in high temperatures (100+ degrees) and variable wind speeds.
• Fatality monitoring will entail long hours of walking, sometimes in inclement conditions.
• Candidates must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, dust/sand, extreme heat and cold, high winds, snakes, and stinging insects).
• Hours worked at are between 30-40 hours per week in a 14 day cycle and may require overtime.
• Job duties require use of compass, global positioning system devices, binoculars, range finders, and digital cameras as well as the ability to maintain equipment.
• Training will be provided for all survey efforts and job-related activities.
• Technicians will be required to follow all safety protocols for WEST and solar energy facilities.
• Technicians will be expected to use good judgment to work safely and efficiently.

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, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree preferred; Undergraduates or other enthusiastic workers are still encouraged to apply
• Candidates with field experience at regional solar projects will be given preference
• Experience with bat and bird identification of Mojave desert species or ability to identify species using guides/keys is preferred
• Candidates must be organized, and able to collect and manage data, including implementing quality control measures. Precise and thorough data collection is essential.
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients, and landowners
• Must be able to appear for work on time; start times will often be as early as sunrise.
• Must be able to walk 8-10 miles per day in extreme temperatures.
• Candidates must be willing to use  personal vehicle for commute and on site

Physical Requirements: 

• Applicants must be in good physical condition; surveys will require walking for entire shifts in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme
• Technicians must be equipped with and provide own suitable safety toed footwear (steel or composite-toe), clothing suitable for outdoor work in all elements, and binoculars (at least 8×42)

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.