Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium-size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for a full-time experienced individual to join the WEST Team as an Associate Biologist – Field Coordinator working remotely but located near Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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 key values and core 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: $52,000 - $70,000, DOE
• Start Date:  Negotiable, potential to start immediately
• Application Deadline: September 27, 2024
• Location: Grand Rapids, MI, US (remote)

Job Summary

WEST has numerous projects underway throughout Michigan and the Midwest Region and is continuing to grow our wind and solar projects, as well as expand into other markets. WEST is seeking a self-motivated candidate who possesses the following:

• Skills and experience in biological studies such as bird identification, bat identification (acoustics or mist-netting), other species-specific surveys, wetland delineation, and/or habitat assessment
• Ability to efficiently coordinate with multiple staff across WEST on different projects, and effectively train, lead, and supervise field personnel
• Candidate must be comfortable and willing to work in a wide range of weather conditions and terrains and have a passion for the outdoors
• Experience managing task work for multiple projects
• Experience in technical writing (biological and/or regulatory) is strongly preferred
• This position requires approximately 70% office work and 30% fieldwork

Job Responsibilities

Our Associate Biologists-Field Coordinators work individually, as well as with a team of natural resource specialists, scientists, and biometricians to:

• Coordinate field-related work for Pre-construction, Construction, and Post-construction studies for the renewable energy industry
• Conduct field-related work as needed and as experience allows, potentially including avian use surveys (i.e., avian point count surveys), raptor nest surveys, bat acoustic monitoring set up and maintenance, wetland delineations, or other habitat assessments, post-construction monitoring surveys, and/or species-specific surveys
• Train field staff on data collection protocols, health and safety procedures, and administrative protocols
• Organize and review field data, including close coordination with project managers, field staff, data and quality assurance staff, and statisticians to ensure quality data collection
• Track fieldwork progress for multiple projects, and support project managers with survey kickoff, implementation, and project wrap-up, as well as with supervision of field staff
• Draft technical memos and reports (biological and/or regulatory) and other project support materials as needed

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

Job Qualifications

The successful candidate will be a self-motivated individual who is able to pay close attention to detail and possess:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biological studies, natural resources, wildlife management, wildlife biology, rangeland sciences, or equivalent. Preference will be given to candidates with at least 3-5 years of relevant experience or a master’s degree.
• Previous experience on biological field studies and/or prior field experience surveys. Avian and/or bat ecology are the primary areas of technical expertise sought, but other areas of expertise, including knowledge of GIS, pollinators, and wetlands, will also be considered. Bird, bat and plant identification in the Midwest Region preferred
• Strong decision-making skills with proven experience supervising and remotely managing field personnel
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral, and task management/coordination skills
• Excellent time management, planning, and organizational skills with the ability to work well under time constraints and meet deliverable targets and deadlines
• Demonstrated track record of maintaining positive and respectful relationships with coworkers, clients, and stakeholders
• Ability to follow instructions from managers and accept guidance and constructive criticism
• Ability to effectively train, lead and supervise field personnel, with a focus on developing a strong safety culture, open communication, and excellence in protocol implementation
• Ability to coordinate logistics and priorities for multiple projects, field technician coordination, communication with multiple internal project teams, and task scheduling
• Ability and willingness to travel for local and regional work for up to one week at a time
• Experience in technical writing (biological and/or regulatory) and other project support materials preferred
• Experience and/or an ability and willingness to conduct aerial surveys from a fixed wing aircraft or helicopter

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.