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, 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-$22/hour, DOE
• Housing: $500/month
• Start Date: February 24, 2025
• End Date: 1 year with potential for extension
• Location: Laramie, WY (Primary), or within 40 miles of Rock River, WY
• Additional Details:

• Training will be provided for all survey efforts and job-related activities
• Candidates must provide their own suitable safety-toed footwear (steel or composite-toe), quality binoculars, appropriate field clothing and gear.
• Other required PPE will be provided
• A work vehicle or mileage reimbursement will be provided

 Job Summary:

This position entails conducting year-round post construction surveys at operational windfarms for bird and bat fatalities. There is potential for the right candidate to assist with other wildlife studies including avian use, nest monitoring and sensitive species surveys.

Successful candidates will be able to:

• Work comfortably in a remote field setting under varying weather conditions
• Interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients, and landowners
• Work well both independently and with others
• Follow field and data collection protocols precisely
• Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive data
• Walk for most of the workday in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme
• Work an average of 35 hours/week, though there may be weeks requiring shorter or longer hours, depending on the project and seasonal workloads
• Travel an hour or more to and from work sites and between survey locations safely
• Be punctual and reliable, while keeping flexible work hours
• Follow all WEST safety protocols
• Keep meticulous records of data collected
• Maintain positive attitude and accept guidance and constructive criticism

 Responsibilities include: 

• Standardized fatality searches
• Standardized trials to measure sources of bias in fatality surveys
• Data management
• Potential opportunities to conduct additional biological surveys

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

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree preferred, but job experience may substitute.
• Candidates with field experience in similar conditions and/or at wind projects will be given preference.
• Bird identification skills for species in the region, ability to identify bats in the region, and use of guides and keys for identification are preferred.
• Use of computers, tablets, GPS units, topographic maps, compass, and other field equipment is expected.
• Experience with electronic data collection is preferred, but not required.
• Candidates must be organized, and able to collect and manage data, including implementing quality control measures.

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical condition, as surveys will require walking for long periods in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme.
• Ability to walk long distances (10+ miles) in variable conditions and terrain
• Ability to comfortably lift 25+ lbs

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.