Biological Field Technician

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, part-time, Biological Field Technician .

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.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

Key Details:

• Compensation: $18-20/hour (depending on experience)
• Housing: up to $1,000 monthly housing reimbursement
• Start Date: March 1, 2025
• End Date: January 31, 2026 (dependent on contract, with possibility of extension)
• Location: Marathon County Wisconsin
• Additional Details: A rental vehicle for survey use can be provided (or mileage will be paid for those choosing to use a suitable, insured personal vehicle). PPE and safety equipment, field equipment, and necessary data collection tools (e.g. gps-enabled tablet) will be provided by WEST. A spotting scope (if necessary) may be provided by WEST.

However, the technician must provide and be equipped with suitable, professional-grade "birding" binoculars (e.g. 10x42), safe footwear (e.g. rugged, composite-toed, hiking boots), and weather-appropriate field clothing that maintains a professional appearance.

Job Summary and Responsibilities:

The primary duty for this job involves regularly conducting pre-construction fixed-point avian use surveys at a proposed wind energy facility and the possibility of other wildlife surveys if available in the area or with paid traveling.

• Regularly conduct avian use surveys, identifying birds by sight and sound, accurately recording observations and data from established points along public roads and rights-of-way in remote, rural locations. Experience conducting avian use or fixed-point count surveys is preferred.
• Secondary responsibilities may include other survey types, such as pre-constrution surveys, raptor nest surveys, nest monitoring, bat acoustic surveys, and others if available. Training will be provided for survey efforts and job-related activities.
• Field conditions will include a range of extreme high and low temperatures and varying high wind speeds and other uncomfortable Wisconsin weather on occasion.
• The job will consist of 8-12 hour days (averaging 5-7 avian use survey points per day), 5-7 days per month for approximately 50-60 hours total per month depending on that month's avian activity, surveys, tasks, and other variables.
• Effective and timely communication with supervisors (phone calls, e-mails, meetings, and chats); organization of and timely submission of data; administrative duties (training, time sheet, expense reports); attending weekly online safety meetings; equipment maintenance; and other typical fieldwork tasks in wildlife survey 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:

• Must follow all WEST safety protocols and conduct field work with safety as top priority.
• This position requires a high level of bird identification skills and prior experience in research-focused biological fieldwork. The right candidate will have a passion for birds and the outdoors.

Must be proficient in identifying aging, and sexing of Midwestern and Wisconsin bird species in the field by sight and sound:

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  • 1) eagles (all species and age classes),
  • 2) diurnal raptors, and
  • 3) songbirds
  
  
  
  

Candidates with higher level birding skills and experience with bird point counts or avian use surveys will be given preference.

• Precise and thorough data collection is essential. Data will be collected via paper datasheets and/or tablet.
• The candidate will be an independent, self-motivated, highly organized individual with the ability to positively, and professionally communicate and coordinate with WEST supervisors, client staff, other technicians, landowners, and the general public.
• Candidates must be comfortable with hazards typical of the fieldwork environment. Environmental conditions include working in dust, rain, light snow, wind, mud, very cold, or very hot temperatures. Candidates may encounter plants such as poison ivy and parsnip; snakes; biting or stinging insects; and other wildlife.
• The right candidate will be flexible and able to maintain a positive attitude in adverse conditions; and accept guidance and constructive criticism, coaching, and retraining if needed.
• Must be able to use, care for, and maintain field equipment, such as a tablet, range finder, binoculars, scopes, compass, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, etc., including work vehicle.
• Must be able to appear for work on time and maintain observer focus for long periods of time during potential lulls in avian activity. Candidates must be capable of identifying birds, recording data correctly, following instructions and study protocols, keeping on schedule, and trouble-shooting problems in the field should they arise.

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical condition, as surveys will be conducted outside in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme. Must be tolerant of biting and stinging insects.
• Field work will entail long hours of standing and observing, sometimes in uncomfortable, inclement conditions (e.g. light rain and snow) and walking in varying terrain.
• Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree preferred; students working towards this degree encouraged to apply. Will consider others skilled in bird identification (e.g. birders) with field skills and research experience or a scientific understanding and mindset.

After an offer of employment is made, thecandidatemust successfully pass a pre-employmentbackground 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.