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: $24-26/ hour depending on experience
• Housing: A generous housing stipend will be provided. Applicant must be willing to live in Indio/ La Quinta or within a 45-minute drive to the facility.
• Start Date: February 19^th, 2025
• End Date: October 31^st, 2026
• Location: Desert Center, CA
• Additional Details: Preference will be given to candidates with ATV/UTV certification. Candidates with AWD or 4WD personal vehicles would also receive preference. Mileage reimbursement will be provided. GPS unit, compass, camera, and range finder (if necessary) will be provided by WEST, however, technician must be equipped with and provide own, appropriate field clothing, and binoculars. 

 Job Summary:

The successful candidate for this position will:

• Be able to work independently with the ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with WEST supervisors and clients.
• Have previous experience identifying birds of the desert-southwest by sight and sound.
• This position requires prior experience with bird-focused biological work and a high level of bird identification skills. 
• This position also requires working in extreme desert temperatures.

 Responsibilities include: 

• Conducting fatality monitoring for bird fatalities at a large-scale solar facility transmission line 
• Conducting Carcass Persistence Trials 
• Conducting camera trap checks and passive exclusion installations for kit fox monitoring efforts.
• Conducting fence checks and repairs for special status species.
• Preference will be given to Technicians with the ability to identify birds of the Southwestern US 
• Fieldwork will require long days in high temperatures and variable wind speeds.  
• Fatality monitoring will entail long hours of walking, sometimes in inclement conditions. 
• Candidate must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, dust/sand, extreme heat and cold, high winds, snakes, and stinging insects).  
• Average of 40 hours per week expected with required overtime. 
• Job duties require the 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 solar energy facilities.  
• Technicians will be expected to use good judgment to work safely and efficiently. 

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 an equivalent degree preferred, but job experience may substitute.
• Preference for biologist experienced in avian use surveys specifically point-count surveys; candidates with higher-level birding skills will be given preference
• Must be proficient in identification of majority Southwestern migrant and resident bird species by sight and sound
• Precise and thorough data collection is essential
• Must be able to use compass, global positioning system devices, binoculars, range finders, tablets, and digital cameras; as well as maintain equipment
• Able to work independently or as part of a team, and interact positively with project manager, field supervisor, 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 manager and team leader
• Maintain positive attitude and accept guidance and constructive criticism 
• Follow all WEST safety protocols
• Training will be provided for all survey efforts and job-related activities

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical shape, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme. 
• Hike in adverse conditions for long hours 

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.