Biological Field Technician

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium-size consulting firm with offices across the United States, is looking for a temporary Biological Field Technician, to support its Projects in Eastern Nevada. Since 1990, WEST has grown to be one of the premier environmental and statistical consulting firms in the United States. WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data.

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Key Details:

• Compensation: $24.00 and up DOE
• Start date: March 15, 2023
• End date: February 28, 2025
• Location: Eastern Nevada area
• Housing: The nearest communities to the Project are Eureka and Ely, NV. Partial housing reimbursement will be provided depending on lodging needs.
• Additional details: Vehicle will be provided or mileage reimbursed. GPS unit and other field equipment will be provided by WEST; however, field technician must be equipped with and provide own suitable footwear (rugged hiking boots), clothing, and binoculars.

Job Description:
Primary duties involve:

• Conducting avian use surveys and other seasonal wildlife surveys including lek surveys, raptor migration, burrowing owl, kangaroo mouse and pygmy rabbit, and bat acoustics. Surveys will be conducted during the early morning hours, during the daylight hours, and at night in eastern Nevada.
• Managing and maintaining accurate and detailed data collection.
• Communicating clearly and effectively with crew lead and field supervisor.
• Ability to communicate with landowners and other members of the public.
• Ability and willingness to work as a team member and independently.
• Candidates must be comfortable with hazards typical of mountain and desert environment: driving on hazardous roads, extreme temperature and weather variations, and must be comfortable operating 4X4 vehicles and ATVs in rough terrain day and night.
• Applicants must be in good physical shape, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme.
• Field work will entail long hours of standing and observing, sometimes in inclement conditions.
• Occasionally (1-2 days per month) survey work will involve walking up to 6 miles per day.
• Some wildlife surveys will require night surveys that will be conducted for a 4-6 day stint before switching back to day work.
  

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 Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree preferred.
• Must be able to identify birds by sight and sound for species in the Eastern Nevada region; candidates experienced in bird identification will be given preference.
• Previous experience on biological field studies and/or prior field experience preferred.
• Employee must be able to appear for work on time (surveys often begin as early as sunrise), maintain focus for long periods of time, follow instructions from manager and crew leader, maintain positive attitude, and accept guidance and constructive criticism. Precise and thorough data collection is essential.
• Skilled use of topographic maps, compass, GPS units, and other field equipment is required.
• Must be comfortable operating 4x4 vehicles and ATVs in rough terrain during day and night.
• Must be able to maintain equipment.
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, clients, landowners, and other technicians.
• Must follow all WEST safety protocols.

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical shape, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme.
• Field work will entail long hours of standing and observing, sometimes in inclement conditions.
• Occasionally (1-2 days per month) survey work will involve walking up to 6 miles per day.
• Some wildlife surveys will require night surveys that will be conducted for a 4-6 day stint before switching back to day work.

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.

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.