Crew Lead – (1399)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for temporary, full time Biological Field Technician – Crew Leads for multiple locations in eastern Oregon and eastern Washington. 

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: $24 – $27/hour, DOE
• Housing: Provided
• Start Date: March 2024
• End Date: August 2024
• Location: Multiple locations, eastern Oregon and eastern Washington
• Additional Details: Field vehicle provided or mileage reimbursed for personal vehicle use. GPS units and other field equipment provided by WEST. Hired field technicians are expected to begin work equipped with their own suitable footwear (rugged hiking boots) and clothing.

Job Description:

Successful candidates for this position will:

• Be able to work independently as well as in team settings with the ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with a crew of up to 5 field technicians.
• Have previous supervisory experience and experience communicating with project managers and landowners.

Crew Lead responsibilities include:

• Leading a crew of up to 5 technicians including training technicians on use of gear and protocol.
• Timely and effective communication with technicians and project managers on work schedule and progress.
• Review datasheets, photos, and maps to ensure quality data is being collected.
• Maintaining equipment and vehicles, organization and shipment of data, and data summaries as requested.
• Conducting surveys for Washington ground squirrels by walking transects and locating burrow entrances by visual and auditory cues.
• Conducting rare plant surveys by walking transects and mapping population occurrences.
• Fieldwork will require long days under a variety of weather conditions; temperatures during the field season may vary between 30° to 100° F with variable wind speeds.
• Candidate must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, driving four-wheel drive vehicles, driving UTVs, carrying 30 pounds of gear, dust, extreme heat and cold).
• Job duties require use of a compass, rangefinder, Android tablet, and GPS devices.
• Training will be provided.
• Anticipated workweek between 40-50 hours; shorter or longer workdays/workweeks may occur depending on the project, seasonal workloads, and weather conditions. 

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 botany, wildlife management, wildlife biology, natural resources, environmental science, or equivalent degree preferred.
• Candidates with previous experience managing field technicians and in-field experience with regional wind projects will be given preference.
• Advanced experience with regional plant identification and keys for identification required.
• Skilled use of computers, tablets, GPS units, topographic maps, compass, and other field equipment is required.
• Candidates must be organized, and able to collect and manage data, including implementing quality control measures.
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients, and landowners.
• Able to walk 8-10 miles per day.
• Able to work independently or with a crew member and interact positively with project manager, field supervisor, and other coworkers.
• Able to hear very high audio frequencies to detect Washington ground squirrel calls.
• Employee must start work on time (surveys often begin at sunrise); maintain focus for long periods of time; follow instructions from manager; maintain a positive attitude; and accept guidance and constructive criticism. Precise and thorough data collection are essential.

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical condition as surveys will require hiking up to 10 miles each day over uneven terrain and will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme. Surveyors may encounter snakes, insects, and other wildlife.

After an offer of employment is made, the candidate must successfully pass a pre-employment background check, a 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.