Biological Field Technician

Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for a temporary Biological Field Technician near Lancaster, California.

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: $24.00 - $29.00/hour, DOE
• Start date: ASAP
• End date: Approximately June 30, 2026, with great potential to extend based on available work and interest of the applicant.
• Location: near Lancaster, California
• Housing: If not local (within one-hour drive from project) housing allowance up to $1800/month may be available. Must be willing to live in Lancaster or Tehachapi, California or within a one-hour drive to the facility.
• Additional details: Use of personal vehicle (high clearance with AWD/4WD ideal but not necessary) is strongly preferred (mileage reimbursement at the federal rate will be provided). If a personal vehicle is not available, a company vehicle/rental may be available for use. PPE, GPS unit, compass, camera, and range finder (if necessary) will be provided by WEST; however, technician must be equipped with their own appropriate field clothing, binoculars, and safety toe boots (steel or plastic). 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.

Primary duties involve:

• Conduct biological clearance surveys and construction monitoring prior to and during the construction of a large, utility-scale, photovoltaic solar facility located near Lancaster, CA.
• Field work will require working closely with project construction crews. Employees must demonstrate professionalism in conduct during all work.
• Surveys will include surveys for state and federally sensitive/listed species, generally conducted prior to excavation and construction activities.
• Clearing and construction surveys will require long days of continuous walking and close proximity to construction crews and other team members. Surveyors may be required to walk in excess of 10 miles per day.
• Candidates must be comfortable with hazards typical of the desert environment including sharp vegetation, extreme temperatures, venomous snakes, and dehydration; and must be comfortable operating 4X4 vehicles in rough terrain.
• Workloads are expected to average 50 hours per week.
• Candidates proficient in electronic data collection (tablet data forms) and data management preferred.
• Job duties will require use of compass/phone-based global positioning system (GPS) devices, binoculars, range finders, and tablets as well as the ability to maintain equipment throughout the season.
• Technician must have familiarity and experience with desert ecosystems and common species of wildlife encountered in the region (of particular interest are burrowing owl, desert tortoise, Mohave ground squirrel, kit fox, American badger, Swainson’s hawk , and nesting birds).
• Experience with pre-construction clearance and construction monitoring is preferred.
• Training will be provided for all Project-specific topics.
• Technicians will be expected to use good judgment and follow WEST and Project protocols to stay healthy, safe, and efficient.

These are general descriptions of the functions for these positions and are not inclusive of the duties which may be associated with these positions.