Western EcoSystems Technology, (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 to work at a large project area near Cresco, Iowa.

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: $21.50 to $26.00
• Housing: N/A
• Start Date: January 2, 2025, but may be flexible
• End Date: November 30, 2025
• Location: Cresco, Iowa
• Additional Details: GPS units and other field equipment will be provided by WEST. Field technicians must be equipped with binoculars, suitable footwear (rugged hiking boots), and appropriate clothing.

Job Description:

The primary duty involves conducting:

• Avian surveys for large birds, hawks, eagles
• This job includes conducting field work in a remote location.
• Fieldwork may include travel on unpaved roads into project area, field navigation, and observing and recording for avian activity (previous experience preferred).
• The job will consist of 30 to 40 hours per week with occasional overtime paid at time and a half. 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 may be available to passionate and motivated candidates.
• Limited data entry, data tracking, and basic skills in MS Excel to provide monthly summaries of survey results.
• Field conditions will include a range of extreme high and low temperatures and varying high wind speeds.
• Candidate must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, dust, extreme heat and cold).  Job duties require bird identification and the use of a compass, GOS, 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.

Job Requirements

Requirements:

• Candidates must be capable of identifying birds – specifically eagles, raptors, and large birds of the region and those that migrate through the region, 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.
• Maintaining and collecting data at bat acoustic survey stations. Training can be provided for this task. 
• Assisting with a variety of additional environmental surveys as needed.
• 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 extended 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.

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical condition, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme. Limited hiking is expected, as most surveys points are located along roads.

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.