Detection Dog Handler - (1235)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for a temporary, full-time, Detection Dog Handler for the 2023 field season.

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.

Key Details:

• Compensation: $23.00 - $27.00/hour, DOE
• Start Date: July 10th, 2023
• End Date:  October 15, 2023 (project dependent)
• Location(s): Macomb, IL, Lafayette, IN
• Housing:  Assistance securing housing near the project site will be offered to qualified applicants as well as rent reimbursement up to a project-specific set amount
• Additional Details: Vehicle mileage will be reimbursed for use of personal vehicle, or a rental may be provided. Field safety equipment for both the handler and dog will be provided by WEST, but handlers must be equipped with their own suitable footwear (safety-toe boots) and field-appropriate clothing. Detection dogs receive a “paycheck” to off the cost of pet insurance and routine care/maintenance

Job Summary:

Do you enjoy both the challenges and fulfillment of fieldwork, as well as training and working with your dog? This is an exciting opportunity to join WEST’s detection dog team and become a part of important wildlife research and conservation. The successful candidate for this position will:

• Survey areas beneath wind turbines for bat and bird fatalities with your dog(s).
• Collect data on bat and bird carcasses, per established protocols.
• Provide routine care and sound risk management for your dog while working, such as following a vaccination protocol, properly using equipment, and administering basic first aid under field conditions (WEST provides a daily “paycheck” to detection dog handlers for the use of their own dog(s) to offset the cost of pet insurance and routine care/maintenance).
• Conduct ongoing training with your dog(s) to ensure effective detection of bat and bird carcasses.
• Be willing to work a flexible schedule that may vary in hours each week, depending on the season and project needs.
• Participate in trials to measure sources of bias in estimating fatalities.
• Enter data into a tablet or spreadsheet and submit to project staff in a timely manner.
• Be open to opportunities to conduct additional biological surveys in the same location, depending on the candidate’s experience.

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

Job Requirements

• Ownership of a suitable candidate dog and successful completion of WEST's Scent Training Program for Wildlife Detection Dogs prior to the extension of a formal offer of employment (WEST provides a scent training protocol and training guidance to qualified applicants).
• Successful completion of odor recognition testing on the target odor, and in-person scent detection evaluation trials as part of the hiring process.
• Demonstrable knowledge of dog behavior and rewards-based training; knowledge of learning theory and scent theory is preferred.
• Ability to work independently as well as being able to communicate and coordinate effectively and professionally with crew members, site management, WEST supervisors, and landowners.
• Must demonstrate safe handling, control, and transportation of your dog(s) at all times.
• Flexibility, a high degree of self-motivation, a tolerance for doing repetitive tasks, and an ability to thrive under challenging field conditions.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Biology, or an equivalent degree is preferred; however, candidates without a degree that have suitable dog(s) and experience training, handling, or participating in applicable detection dog work or sports are encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk 5-7+ miles a day over uneven terrain in variable weather conditions.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude during long work days (8-12+ hours) in the outdoors.
• Must be comfortable with exposure to hazards typical of the environment (e.g., insects, dense, tall, and prickly vegetation, wildlife, unrestrained dogs, extreme heat and cold, high wind speeds, farming/agricultural activities, and poorly maintained roads).

Minimum Dog Suitability Requirements:

• Physically healthy and of an appropriate age and size to be able to walk/run 10+ miles a day over uneven terrain in variable weather and environmental conditions.
• Up-to-date on all locally required vaccines including rabies.
• Non-brachycephalic.
• No bite history.
• Demonstrates high level of trainability.

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/1235#

Benefit & Compensation Infographic-Temporary_V2_2022 (1).pdf