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: $19.00 – $22.50/hour
• Start Date: April 2025
• End Date: March 2026
• Location: El Paso, Texas
• Additional Details: Vehicles will be provided for work completion. GPS units and other field equipment will be provided by WEST. Field technicians must be equipped with professional-grade binoculars, suitable footwear (rugged hiking boots), and appropriate fieldwork clothing.

Job Description:

The primary duty may involve conducting:

• Avian surveys for passerines, raptors, and other birds.
• Surveys for raptor nests, including eagles.
• Stationary acoustic sampling of bats.
• Duties include deployment of ultrasonic bat detectors (e.g. SM3), fixed-point count avian use surveys, ground-based raptor nest surveys, and data organization and transfer.
• The technician should be able to work independently and must be able to communicate and coordinate effectively with WEST supervisors, including adhering to field survey schedules.
• This job includes conducting field work in a remote location, near El Paso, Texas.
• Fieldwork will include travel on public roads within a project area, field navigation within land where access is granted, and observing and recording bird observations and species (previous experience preferred).
• The job will consist of up to 8–12-hour days, 9-11 days per month from April – October 2025, and 6-8 days per month from November 2025 – March 2026.
• Field conditions will include extreme high temperatures, high winds, rough terrain, and potentially irregular maintained roads.
• Candidate must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, dust, extreme heat). Job duties require bird identification and the use of a compass, GPS, paper and electronic map devices.

• Biological field technician will be required to follow all safety protocols for WEST and to use good judgment to stay safe and work efficiently.

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.

Job Requirements

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, wildlife management, wildlife biology or equivalent preferred.
• Field experience related to wildlife ecology.
• Must demonstrate prior field experience.
• Candidates must be capable of identifying birds of west Texas, recording data correctly, following study and safety protocols, keeping on schedule, and trouble-shooting problems in the field.
• Previous experience conducting avian surveys is required.
• Candidates should be able to interact positively and professionally with project manager, field lead, landowners, and other technicians.
• Employee must be able to appear for work on time (surveys often begin as early as sunrise), maintain focus for long periods of time, follow instructions from the team leader, maintain positive attitude, and accept guidance and constructive criticism.
• Consistent communication with the team is imperative.
• Environmental conditions include working in rain, wind, mud, and very cold or hot temperatures.
• Candidates may encounter snakes, insects, and other wildlife.
• Proficient use of topographic maps, compass, GPS units, and other field equipment required.
• Precise and thorough data collection is essential.

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical condition, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme.
• Skilled use of GPS units, topographic maps, compass, and other field equipment is helpful
• Field work will entail hiking to acoustic survey sites with up to 30 pounds of field equipment in varying terrain, sometimes in inclement conditions.

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.