Biological Field Technician

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: $20.00 - $25.00/hour  DOE
• Housing: Field housing or housing stipend provided
• Start Date: Mid-February 2025
• End Date: December 2025 with potential for extension
• Location: Miles City, MT (with occasional travel to Cut Bank, MT)

 Job Summary:

The successful candidate for this position will be:

Primary duties involve:

• Conducting fatality monitoring for bird and bat species beneath operating wind turbines
• Fieldwork will require long days in a range of temperatures and wind speeds.
• Fatality monitoring will entail long hours of walking (approximately 10 miles per day), sometimes in inclement conditions.
• Candidate must be comfortable with hazards typical of outside environments (e.g., sharp vegetation, driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, dust, extreme heat and cold).
• Hours worked is expected at least 30 hours per week with possibility of overtime. Must be willing to work some weekends and potentially holidays. Must be willing to travel on occasion to other projects for up to two weeks at a time.
• Job duties require use of compass, global positioning system devices, binoculars, range finders, and digital cameras as well as the ability to maintain equipment.
• Training will be provided for all survey efforts and job-related activities.
• Technicians will be required to follow all safety protocols for WEST and the wind energy facilities.
• Technicians will be expected to always use good judgment to stay safe and work efficiently.

 Responsibilities include: 

• Post-construction monitoring surveys
• Participation in Carcass persistence and Searcher Efficiency Trials
• Field and in-hand (via specimen) identification, aging, and sexing of bird and bat species.
• Keeping track of complex schedules for multiple projects.
• Managing project data and data submission in an organized and timely manner.
• Working independently and keeping good communication with remote team members.

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.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, wildlife management, wildlife biology or equivalent degree preferred; however, job experience may substitute.
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients, and landowners.

• Must be able to maintain equipment.
• Must be able to use compass, global positioning system devices, binoculars, range finders, tablets, and digital cameras; as well as maintain equipment

• The ability to follow protocol and to ask questions when needed is essential.
• Good 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.
• Skilled use of GPS units, topographic maps, compass, and other field equipment is required.
• Job requires the person filling this position to be able to appear for work on time (surveys often begin as early as sunrise); follow instructions from project managers and field supervisors; interact effectively with coworkers and clients; maintain a positive attitude; maintain focus for long periods of time; and accept guidance and constructive criticism.
• Precise and thorough data collection is essential.

• Follow all WEST and project site safety protocols
• Training will be provided for all survey efforts and job related activities

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical condition, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme. Must be tolerant of biting or stinging insects.
• Ability to walk long distances (10 miles) in extreme heat
• Ability to lift up to 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.