Avian Field Technician - (1094)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States, is looking for a temporary full-time Avian 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. 

Key Details:

• Compensation: $18/hour and up DOE + year-end cash bonuses
• Housing:$500/month
• Start Date: March 2023
• End Date: February 2025
• Location: (1) Miles City, Montana and (1) Glendive, Montana
• Additional Details: WEST is seeking two (2) biologists to work at various projects across eastern Montana. The area provides abundant recreation opportunities within and around the Missouri River, northern Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Yellowstone National Park, and beyond. GPS units, work vehicle, and other field equipment will be provided by WEST. Field technicians must be equipped with professional-grade binoculars &/or spotting scope, suitable footwear (rugged hiking boots), and appropriate clothing. The work schedule will be approximately 30-40 hours per week, and the occasional overtime, weekend, and holiday work may be required to complete surveys. Opportunities to travel to other projects to take part in a variety of additional wildlife surveys are available to passionate and motivated candidates.

Job Description:

The primary duties include:

• Avian surveys for all bird species with a focus on eagles, raptors, and song birds
• Conducting four-hour surveys of raptor nests to determine nest status
• Conducting surveys of greater sage-grouse leks
• Assisting with a variety of additional environmental surveys as needed
• Conducting field work alone, in a remote location
• Fieldwork may include loading and towing a trailer with UTV or snowmobile, operation of a UTV or snowmobile, travel on field roads into project area, field navigation, and observing and recording additional wildlife
• The job will consist of up to 8-12 hour days, approximately 5 days/week
• Candidate must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, dust, extreme heat and cold). Job duties require bird identification and the use of a compass, GPS, paper and electronic map devices.

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:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources or an equivalent degree is preferred. Enthusiastic applicants with relevant field experience will also be considered.
• Candidate must be a passionate birder, and demonstrated experience identifying western bird species by sight and sound is required.
• Previous experience conducting avian surveys is required, and experience with point counts, raptor nests surveys, or targeted surveys for plant and animal species is a preferred.
• Candidates must be able to record data efficiently, legibly, and accurately while taking the lead on daily quality checking of data, following study and safety protocols, keeping schedule, and trouble-shooting/navigating problems in the field.
• Candidates should be able to interact positively and professionally with the project manager, field lead, landowners, and other technicians.
• 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 the team leader, maintain positive attitude, accept guidance and constructive criticism, and be motivated to work remotely and independently.
• Consistent, daily communication with the team is imperative.
• Environmental conditions include working in rain, wind, mud, and very cold or hot temperatures over extreme terrain.
• Candidates may encounter snakes, insects, and other wildlife.
• Proficient use of topographic maps, compass, GPS units, binoculars/spotting scopes, and other field equipment required.
• Applicants must be in good physical condition, able to stand or walk for up to 12 hours per day, and carry up to 30 lbs. over uneven terrain.

WEST is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for everyone and highly recommends all prospective hires be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to their start date. While WEST does not currently require vaccinations, please be aware that WEST has a mandatory vaccination policy in place should local, state or federal law require vaccinations. Additionally, WEST has certain clients that require all personnel to be vaccinated prior to working on their projects, so individuals will be required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination prior to working on those projects.  As an exception, employees may also request a Medical or Religious exemption from the vaccine requirement and the request must be supported by a doctor for a medical exemption or by a statement from the employee outlining a sincerely held belief to qualify for a religious exemption. Please contact us if you have any questions.

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.

https://west-inc.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/1094

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