Lead Biological Field Technician – (1463)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for a full-time temporary Lead Biological Field Technician in west-central Illinois. 

Since 1990, WEST has grown to be one of the premier environmental and statistical consulting firms in the United States. Biological Field Technicians will assist with multiple pre-construction and/or post-construction wildlife surveys at wind and/or solar energy facilities.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

Key Details:

• Compensation: $18 – $22/hour, DOE, eligible for overtime pay
• Housing: up to $500/month housing reimbursement for applicants relocating for the position.
• Start Date: 3/25/24
• End Date: 10/19/24, with possibility of extension
• Location: McDonough and Warren Counties, IL
• Bonus: candidates who successfully complete monitoring seasons in good standing are eligible for a $500 completion bonus
• Additional Details: GPS units and other field and safety equipment will be provided by WEST. Field technicians must be equipped with steel/composite-toed boots and appropriate clothing.  Mileage for personal vehicle use will be reimbursed at the federal rate; a rental vehicle will be provided as necessary. Applicants living within an hour of Sciota, IL are strongly encouraged to apply–commute time to and from the work site will be compensated.

Job Summary:

The successful candidates for this position will be:

• Able to work independently as well as in small team settings with the ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with a crew of up to 4 technicians.
• Perform regular maintenance on bat acoustic monitoring equipment
• Able to work a variable schedule, including some weekends and holidays 
• Able to perform duties both in the field and in virtual office settings
• The ideal candidates will have previous supervisory experience and be skilled in identifying regional birds and bats by sight and have had experience working in extreme weather conditions and navigating rough terrain.
• Training will be provided

Responsibilities include:

• Place and monitor carcasses for studies measuring sources of bias in fatality estimation
• Download data from bat acoustic equipment for analysis by bat biologists
• Collect fur and tissue samples from carcasses for DNA analysis, as needed
• Assist with fatality monitoring and processing when necessary
• Assist dog detection teams from May 16th – October 15th
• Communicate with technicians and management requiring the consistent use of phone/text and email, including availability when crews are working (early mornings and late evening)
• Assist field coordinator with reviewing datasheets and ensure quality data is being collected
• Lead technician will be responsible for maintaining inventory of equipment, organization and shipment of samples and data, and data summaries as requested
• Anticipated workweek between 30-40 hours April through mid-May, and 35 – 50 hours late-May through mid-October; shorter or longer workdays/workweeks may occur depending on the project, seasonal workloads, and weather conditions.
• Candidates must strictly adhere to all safety protocols and PPE requirements

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of all 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. Highly motivated current students are encouraged to apply.
• Candidates with previous experience managing field technicians and in-field experience with regional wind projects will be given preference
•  Familiarity with macro-photography and experience with bat and bird identification of Midwestern species or ability to identify species using guides/keys is preferred.
• Skilled use of computers, compass, rangefinder, Android tablet, and GPS devices 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
• Employee must start work on time (surveys often begin at sunrise) ; maintain focus for long periods of time; follow both written and verbal instructions from manager; maintain a positive attitude; and accept guidance and constructive criticism. Precise and thorough data collection are essential.
• Ability to pass a background check with a clean motor vehicle driving record.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical condition, as surveys will require walking for entire shifts in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme. Will require lifting and carrying up to 45 pounds of gear.
• Applicants must be comfortable performing job duties underneath active wind turbines situated on fields used for industrial agriculture
• Technicians must be equipped with and provide own suitable safety toed footwear (rugged hiking boots, etc.), and field and season appropriate clothing

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.