Spotted Owl Technician – (1667)

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, in Central Oregon for the 2025 owl survey season. 

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: $23-$26 per hour
• Housing: Partial rent reimbursement possible depending on location
• Start Date: Late February or early March 2025
• End Date: September 3, 2025
• Locations: Central Oregon including Corvallis, Newport, Coos Bay, and Roseburg
• Additional Details: 4 nights, 40 hours per week. Optional overtime will be available.

Job Summary:

 The successful candidate will:

• Independently conduct nighttime surveys (e.g. sunset to sunrise) to detect northern spotted owls by sight and sound from stations located along logging roads and trails on private timber land.
• Use maps, compass, and mapping apps (e.g. Avenza, Gaia, Field maps) to navigate to designated survey stations via hiking in steep terrain and dense vegetation or 4wd vehicles.
• Differentiate Pacific North West owl species by sight and sound and collect and record detailed information on owl detections.
• Adhere to detailed field protocols to operate safely in potentially hazardous circumstances and areas (e.g. logging areas, rough unimproved roads, inclement weather, potential wildlife encounters).
• Communicate frequently with the field supervisor.
• The ideal candidate will be experienced in spotted owl surveys and/or other environmental surveys conducted overnight.

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct electronic broadcast surveys for northern spotted owls and accurately record and map any owl species heard or seen.
• Recognize signs of owl nesting behavior (e.g. whitewash, pellets, fledglings present, molted feathers).
• Take detailed notes, check datasheets for accuracy, and meet deadlines for data submission.
• Conduct daytime surveys as needed to follow up on any nighttime detections of spotted owls, including daytime visits to historic nest or roost locations as needed.
• Independently maintain a schedule ensuring surveys are completed within designated timeframes.
• Conduct road clearing and lite trail maintenance at the beginning of the field season using basic tools (e.g., handsaw, garden clippers, tow straps).
• Willingness to work nights alone and follow fire season safety protocols.
• Maintain field equipment and complete basic vehicle maintenance.
• May care for and handle live mice.

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.

Job Requirements

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, OR an equivalent degree preferred but not required with adequate relevant experience.
• A minimum of one year’s field experience is required; candidates with prior experience with spotted owl surveys and/or other nighttime surveys will be given preference.
• Must be able to identify spotted owls by sight and sound and differentiate between spotted and barred owls.
• Experience with or sufficient demonstrable understanding of navigation techniques including topographic maps, compass, and electronic navigational systems is required.
• Must monitor weather forecasts and make practical decisions for safe field work.
• Must be able to adhere to all WEST safety protocols, including strict check in/out requirements and carrying a SPOT device.
• Must be able to work independently and often alone; possess a high degree of self-motivation, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and willingness to learn and ask questions are essential.
• Valid driver’s license

Physical Requisites:

• Candidates must be able to walk long distances at night along closed roads or marked trails in often steep, brushy terrain.
• Must be comfortable working in areas with the possibility of encountering wildlife (possibly dangerous) and various plants (i.e. poison oak)
• Candidates must have keen hearing capabilities to identify owls by sound at long distances.
• Candidates must be able to confidently, safely, and efficiently navigate infrequently maintained logging roads with a 4WD vehicle or ATV in areas with little or no cell phone reception.
• Candidates must be able to use hand saws for light tree and brush clearing.

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.