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, in Glendive, Montana.  

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/hour and up DOE + year-end cash bonuses
• Housing: $600/month
• Start Date: January 2025
• End Date: Greater than 12-months
• Location: Glendive, Montana
• Additional Details: WEST is seeking a biologist to work at a large project in eastern Montana. The area provides abundant recreation opportunities within and around the Missouri River, northern Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and beyond. GPS units, work vehicle, ATV, and other field equipment will be provided by WEST. Field technicians must be equipped with professional-grade binoculars &/or spotting scope, suitable footwear (rugged hiking boots), and appropriate field clothing. The work schedule will be approximately 30-40 hours per week, and the occasional overtime, weekend, and holiday work may be required to complete surveys. Opportunities to travel to other projects to take part in a variety of additional wildlife surveys are available to passionate and motivated candidates.

Job Description:

The primary duties include:

• Conducting avian use surveys for all bird species with a focus on eagles, raptors, and song birds of the region
• Maintaining and collecting data at bat acoustic survey stations
• Assisting with a variety of additional environmental surveys as needed
• Collecting additional data on wildlife throughout the project area
• Maintaining positive relationships with private landowners and client representatives
• Conducting field work alone, in a remote location
• Loading and towing ATV or snowmobile, operating ATV or snowmobile, and traveling and navigating on rough roads throughout project area
• The job will consist of up to 8–12-hour work days, approximately 5 days/week
• Candidate must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, dust, extreme heat, cold, and wind). Job duties require bird identification and the use of a compass, GPS, paper and electronic map devices.

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:

• A bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources or an equivalent degree is preferred. Enthusiastic applicants with relevant field experience will also be considered.
• Candidate must be a passionate birder, with demonstrated experience identifying western bird species by sight and sound.
• Previous experience conducting avian surveys is required, and experience with point counts, raptor nests surveys, or targeted surveys for plant and animal species is a preferred.
• Candidates must be able to record data efficiently, legibly, and accurately while taking the lead on daily quality checking of data, following study and safety protocols, keeping schedule, and troubleshooting/navigating problems in the field.
• Candidates should be able to interact positively and professionally with the project manager, field lead, landowners, and other technicians and keep detailed records of land access notifications and landowner interactions in the field.
• 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, accept guidance and constructive criticism, and be trustworthy and motivated to work remotely and independently.
• Consistent, daily communication with the team is imperative.
• Environmental conditions include working in rain, wind, mud, and very cold or hot temperatures over extreme terrain.
• Candidates may encounter snakes, insects, and other wildlife.
• Proficient use of topographic maps, compass, GPS units, binoculars/spotting scopes, and other field equipment required.

• Applicants must be in good physical condition, able to stand, walk, or ride and ATV for up to 12 hours per day, and carry up to 30 lbs. over uneven terrain.

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.