Biological Field Technician

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium sized consulting firm with offices across the United States, is looking for a part-time, temporary, 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: $21.00 - $22.50/ hour, DOE
• Location: Bureau County, Illinois
• Project Duration: March 2025 – October 2025
• Workload: approx. 20 hours per week, with ability to add on more projects if desired.
• Additional Details: A vehicle may be provided or mileage will be reimbursed for personal vehicle use. Proof of insurance will be required if personal vehicle is used

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 conducting carcass searches, and have had experience working in extreme weather conditions and navigating rough terrain.

Responsibilities include:

• Search designated plots beneath wind turbines for bird and bat fatalities and collect data to measure sources of bias in fatality estimation
• There may be limited opportunities to conduct additional biological surveys
• Conduct field work in remote locations

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of all the duties that may be associated with this position.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree preferred
• Must be able to follow all safety protocols to ensure safe navigation throughout the day. Technicians are expected to use good judgment to stay safe and work efficiently
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients, and landowners.
• Skilled use of compass, global positioning system devices, binoculars, range finders, and digital cameras as well as the ability to maintain equipment
• Ability to follow protocol is essential
• Ability to identify bird and bats within the region, use of guides and keys for identification
• Training will be provided for all survey efforts and job-related activities
• Technician must be equipped with and provide own suitable footwear (steel-toe hiking boots, etc.) and clothing
• Follow all WEST safety protocols

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical shape, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme
• Candidate must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, dust, extreme heat and cold).
• Successful candidates must be willing and able to spend a majority of the day (8-12 hours) in the elements, collecting and managing data with great attention to detail and must possess the scientific background to be able to adhere to scientific methods and report results of field studies

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.