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 as our new Associate Biologist-Field Coordinator.

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: $52,000 - $66,000, plus annual bonus. Base salary will be based upon education, professional certifications, and previous work experience.
• Start Date: January or February 2025
• Application Deadline: January 15, 2025, or until filled
• Location: Open to remote option, hybrid option or office based in Fort Collins, CO; Cheyenne or Laramie, WY preferred.

Job Summary:

WEST has numerous projects underway in the region and is continuing to grow and expand. WEST is seeking self-motivated candidates who possess the following:

• Skills and experience in biological studies such as bird identification, bat identification (acoustics or mist-netting), raptor nest surveys, other species-specific surveys, wetland delineation, and/or habitat assessments,
• Follow protocols to collect relevant natural resource data, implement health and safety, and complete administrative duties.
• Ability to efficiently coordinate with multiple staff across WEST on different projects, and effectively train, lead, and supervise field personnel,
• Candidate(s) must be comfortable and willing to work in various (extreme) weather conditions and rough terrain and have a passion for the outdoors,
• Experience in technical writing (biological and/or regulatory) and managing task work for multiple projects.

Responsibilities Include:

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

• Coordinate and 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 delineation, grassland or other habitat assessment, and/or species-specific surveys,
• Coordinate standardized searches (i.e., beneath wind turbines) to locate bird and bat fatalities and bias trials for fatality monitoring projects.
• Conduct training for field technicians on relevant field protocols,
• Organize and review field data, including close coordination with project managers, quality assurance, and statistical personnel.
• Track progress for multiple projects, and support project managers with survey kickoff, implementation, and decommissioning.
• Draft technical memos and reports, 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.

Requirements:

The Biologist we are seeking has a great opportunity to help WEST take the next step in our growth as a full-service environmental consulting firm. The successful candidate must be a self-starter who possesses:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Ecology or an equivalent degree. Preference will be given to Candidates with 2+ years of previous consulting experience or a master’s degree.
• Previous experience on biological field studies, preferably in the Rocky Mountain Region.
• Ability to work within a collaborative, respectful team atmosphere and interact professionally with project managers, office staff, clients, landowners, and field technicians.
• Proven technical writing, communication, and task management/coordination skills.
• Skilled use of topographic maps, compass, GPS units, and other field equipment.
• Ability to follow WEST safety protocols and train field staff on said protocols.
• Ability to effectively supervise others on tasks and/or field work.
• Ability to coordinate logistics and priorities for multiple projects, technician coordination, communication with multiple internal project teams, and task scheduling.
• Excellent time management, task management and organizational skills with the ability to work well under time constraints and meet deliverable targets and deadlines.
• Appropriate footwear (rugged hiking boots, etc.), clothing, and binoculars for biological field work.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively (up to 75% of time during certain seasons) for several weeks at a time, while maintaining administrative responsibilities.

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.