Biological Field Technician - (1669)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada.  We are looking for a full-time Biological Field Technician, in Southwest Wyoming.

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: $20-24/hr DOE
• Start date: December 2024
• End date: November 2026
• Location: Southwest Wyoming
• Housing: Reimbursement up to $500/month. Candidate will need to secure their own housing in Rock Springs or Green River, Wyoming.
• Additional details: Project is located in remote southwest Wyoming within one hour of the towns of Rock Springs and Green River. The area provides numerous recreational opportunities within and around the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, and is just 3 hours from Jackson Hole, WY and the Great Salt Lake in Utah. Work schedule will be variable and flexible, and is expected to average at least 35 hours per week. Occasional overtime, weekend and holiday work may be required to complete surveys. GPS units and other field equipment will be provided by WEST. Field technicians must be equipped with suitable footwear (rugged hiking boots), their own pair of professional binoculars, and appropriate clothing suitable to adverse weather conditions, including winter conditions and rain.

Job Summary:

• Primary responsibility of this position is:
• Conducting avian use surveys, identifying raptors and songbirds to the species level
• Conducting surveys for avian species of concern
• Conducting four-hour surveys of raptor nests to determine nest status 
• Conducting day-long fall raptor migration surveys
• Assisting with various wildlife surveys for energy projects in western Wyoming, including rare plant surveys, eagle use surveys, and grouse lek surveys

The successful candidate for this position will have the following qualifications:

• An experienced birder with demonstrated experience identifying western bird species by sight and sound, with exceptionally strong eagle and raptor identification skills.
• Prior experience conducting point counts, raptor nest surveys, or targeted surveys for plant and animal species of concern is a plus.
• Prior experience working independently in remote, rugged terrain in mud and snow conditions.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to complete datasheets accurately and submit data timely and regularly.
• A demonstrated record of safety and good decision-making skills working in remote environments.
• Experience with ATV/UTV and trailering is highly preferred.

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of all the duties associated with this position

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources or an equivalent degree preferred, enthusiastic applicants with relevant field experience also considered
• Must follow all WEST safety protocols and conduct field work with safety as top priority
• Ability to use, care for and maintain field equipment including work vehicle
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and interact positively with project manager, field supervisor, landowners, and other team members
• Ability to adhere to survey schedules, with some surveys beginning before sunrise and/or requiring some 10+ hour days
• Candidate must be a self-starter, have the ability to appear for work on time, early and long hours, maintain focus for long periods of time, follow instructions from the supervisors, maintain positive attitude, and accept guidance and constructive feedback.
• Preferred candidates will have experience operating 4WD vehicles on unimproved roads and in mud or snow conditions. ATV experience is a plus
• Preferred candidates will be comfortable using and maintaining field vehicles (able to change a tire, replace fluids in, knowledge of how to prevent vehicle from getting stuck in variable terrain)
• Proficient use of topographic maps, compass, GPS units, and other field equipment
• Flexibility to work variable days and times including some weekend work, and the ability to maintain a positive attitude in challenging conditions

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical condition, able stand or walk for up to 12 hours per day and carry up to 30 lbs. over uneven terrain.
• Surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and environmental conditions can be extreme.

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.