Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for two temporary, full-time, Biological Field Technicians. 

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 - $22 per hour, depending on experience
• Housing: monthly housing reimbursement up to $1,000 (if relocation is needed)
• Start Date: Jan. or Feb. 2025
• End Date: Jan. 31, 2026 (with possibility of extension)
• Location: Southwestern Minnesota; Marshall, MN; Pipestone, MN
• Additional Details: 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 clothing.

Job Summary:

• WEST is looking for candidates to reside in Yellow Medicine, Lincoln, or Lyon County in Minnesota.
• The primary responsibilities for this position are to conduct avian use surveys for songbirds (including grassland birds), hawks, eagles, and waterfowl of the region. There is a possibility of raptor nest survey work in the spring as well as helping with other projects in the region.
• Additional bat acoustics monitoring and MET tower station maintenance will be required throughout the warm seasons.
• Successful candidates must be able to work in a rural field setting, work well both independently and with others, and follow field and data entry protocols. Previous experience conducting avian surveys is required.
• Training will be provided.
• An average workweek will be approximately 30-40 hours, though there may be weeks requiringshorter or longer hours depending on seasonal objectives and project workloads.
• Field conditions will include a range of extreme high and low temperatures and varying high wind speeds. Work will be conducted in winter months when roads and conditions are icy. This job includes conducting field work in a remote location.

Responsibilities will include one or more of the following:

• Avian surveys for song birds, hawks, and eagles.
• Raptor nest surveys and nest monitoring.
• Bat acoustic equipment monitoring and maintenance.
• Fieldwork will include travel on field roads into project area, field navigation, and observing and recording for avian activity (previous experience preferred).

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:

• Candidates must be capable of accurately identifying Midwest bird species by sight and sound, including large bird species (raptors, waterfowl, and waterbirds) at a distance of 800 meters.
• Previous experience conducting avian surveys is required.
• Candidates must be capable of recording data correctly, following study and safety protocols, keeping on schedule, and trouble-shooting problems in the field.
• Candidates must be able to interact positively and professionally with project manager, field lead, landowners, and other technicians.
• Employee must arrive 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 paper and electronic maps, compass, GPS units, and other field equipment.
• Priority given to applicants with grassland bird ID experience.
• Candidate must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, dust, extreme heat and cold).

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical condition, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme.

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.  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, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or expression, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, genetics, 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.