What are the responsibilities and job description for the Biological Field Technician position at WEST Inc?
Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States, is looking for a temporary, full-time, Biological Field Technician.
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.
Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!
Key Details:
- Compensation: $16 - $20/hour DOE
- Housing: $600/month
- Start Date: May 15, 2023
- End Date: August 15, 2023, with the possibility of extending through October 2023
- Location: within 1.5 hours of Thomas, OK
- Additional Details: A vehicle will be provided for work completion or mileage reimbursed for personal vehicle use. GPS unit, compass, camera (if necessary), and range finder will be provided by WEST, however, technician must be equipped with and provide own suitable safety toed footwear (rugged hiking boots, etc.), clothing, and binoculars.
Job Description:
Primary duties involve:
- Conducting fatality monitoring for bird and bat fatalities beneath operating wind turbines.
- Fieldwork will require long days in a range of temperatures and wind speeds.
- Fatality monitoring will entail long hours of walking, sometimes in inclement conditions.
- Candidate must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, dust, extreme heat and cold).
- Hours worked is between 30-40 hours per week and may require overtime.
- Job duties require use of compass, global positioning system devices, binoculars, range finders, and digital cameras as well as the ability to maintain equipment.
- Training will be provided for all survey efforts and job related activities.
- Technicians will be required to follow all safety protocols for WEST and the wind energy facilities.
- Technicians will be expected to use good judgment to stay safe and work efficiently.
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 equivalent degree preferred; however, undergraduates and enthusiastic workers are encouraged to apply.
- Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients, and landowners.
- Must be able to maintain equipment. Ability to follow protocol is essential.
- Good bird and bat identification skills for species in the region and use of guides and keys for identification are preferred.
- Skilled use of GPS units, topographic maps, compass, and other field equipment is required.
- Job requires the person filling this position to be able to appear for work on time; follow instructions from project managers and field supervisors; interact effectively with coworkers and clients; maintain a positive attitude; and accept guidance and constructive criticism.
- Precise and thorough data collection is essential.
Physical Requirements:
- Applicants must be in good physical shape, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme.
- Hike in adverse conditions for long hours.
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.
Salary : $16 - $20
