Job Type: Temporary
Salary Details: $20-$23/ hour, DOE
Deadline: Sep 01, 2023
Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic mid-sized consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for two temporary, full-time, Biological Field Technicians.
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.
Key Details:
- Compensation: $20.00 – $23.00/hour, DOE
- Location: Walla Walla, Washington
- Start date: September 1, 2023
- End date: August 31, 2025
Job Summary:
Biological field technicians will conduct standardized searches beneath wind turbines to locate and document bird and bat carcasses. Successful candidates must be able to follow field and data collection protocols, work well both independently and with others, and work in a rural setting. An average work week may include 30-40 hours for full-time employees, though there may be weeks requiring shorter or longer hours, depending on the project and seasonal workloads. A field vehicle will be provided for all work-related travel. Successful candidates will work independently as well as with their field partner, gaining hands on field experience collecting scientific data used to assess site specific impacts of wind turbines on birds and bats. Apply now to join our team of nationally recognized avian and bat biologists as a biological field technician!
Responsibilities include:
- Conduct field work while adhering to WEST and client field safety requirements.
- Conduct standardized fatality searches and follow electronic and paper data collection protocol.
- Collect data for standardized protocols to measure sources of bias in fatality surveys.
- Potential opportunities to conduct additional biological surveys.
This is a general description of the functions for these positions and is not inclusive of all the duties which may be associated with the positions
Requirements/Skill preference:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree preferred; undergraduates or other enthusiastic workers are encouraged to apply.
- Candidates with field experience identifying birds and bats will be given preference.
- Experience with macro-photography, tablet and paper data collection, GPS units, compass, rangefinders, and other field equipment is preferred.
- Experience using field guides/keys for identification is preferred, especially for bird and bat identification within the Pacific Flyway.
- Candidates must be organized, and able to collect and manage electronic and paper 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.
- Job requires the person filling this position to be able to appear for work on time; start times can often start as early as sunrise.
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, as well as safely opening and closing gates weighing 50+ pounds.
- Candidate must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, dust, extreme heat and cold, high winds).
- Successful candidates must be willing and able to spend a majority of the day (6-8 hours) in the elements, collecting and managing data with great attention to detail and must possess the scientific background to be able to adhere to scientific methods and report results of field studies.
- Must be equipped with and provide own suitable safety toed footwear (steel- or composite-toe), binoculars, weather/field-appropriate clothing, water bottles, etc.