Biological Field Technician - (739)

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

Due to stringent client requirements and WEST's commitment to provide a safe and healthy work environment for everyone, all prospective hires will be required to provide documentation that they have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to their start date. 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.
 

Key Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive Medical (if working 30 or more hours a week)
• Sep IRA (100% employer contributions)

Join WEST and you will discover and enjoy:

• Family friendly environment
• Diverse workforce and DE&I efforts
• Great work/life balance
• Flexible and Casual work culture
• Professional growth opportunity
• Safe and happy working environment

Job Summary:

• Primary responsibilities of this position are:
• Conducting fixed-point bird use surveys at a proposed wind energy facility in March 2022 – February 2023 (approximately ~55 hours per month).
• Visually searching for potential eagle/raptor nests in spring 2022.
• Maintaining bat acoustic detectors on a 2-week basis in April – October, 2022 (~8 hours/month).

The successful candidate for this position will be:

• An experienced birder that has previous experience identifying western bird species by sight and sound, with an emphasis on eagle and raptor identification.
• Prior experience conducting point counts is highly preferred.
• Secondary responsibilities may include other survey types, including raptor nest surveys, bat acoustic surveys, and surveys for plant and animal species of concern.
• Duties include deployment of ultrasonic bat detectors (SM3BAT) and electronic bat call data organization and transfer.
• The technician should be able to use bat detectors, global positioning system devices, maps, compass, and digital cameras as well as the ability to maintain equipment.
• The technician should be able to work independently and must be able to communicate and coordinate effectively with WEST supervisors including adhering to schedules.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to complete datasheets accurately and submit data timely and regularly is required.
• The successful candidate will follow all safety procedures to complete tasks safely and with a high degree of quality.
• Training will be provided for all survey efforts and job-related activities.
• Technician will be expected to use good judgment to stay safe and work efficiently

Compensation: $14.00 - $18.00 per hour, DOE.
Start date: March 2022

End date: February 2023
Location: Prowers County, Colorado
Housing: $450 month reimbursement
Additional details: The technician should have reliable transportation to and from the work site and will be reimbursed mileage at the current federal standard rate. Otherwise, a vehicle will be provided. Proof of insurance will be required if personal vehicle is used. Data collection tools for work completion and a spotting scope and a PC laptop and external drive (if necessary) will be provided by WEST; however, technician must be equipped with and provide suitable binoculars (10x42 minimum), footwear, and appropriate clothing.
 

This 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 Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree preferred
• Must follow all WEST safety protocols and conduct field work with safety as top priority
• Experience conducting avian use point count surveys preferred
• Must be proficient in identification by sight and sound of
• 1) eagles (all species and age classes),
• 2) diurnal raptors, and
• 3) western bird species
• Precise and thorough data collection is essential
• Should be able to use, care for and maintain field equipment including work vehicle
• Able to work independently and as part of a team, and interact positively with project manager, field supervisor, landowners, and other technicians
• Able to appear for work on time, with surveys beginning at sunrise, and maintain focus for long periods of time
• Be flexible and able to maintain a positive attitude in adverse 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 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.