Biological Field Technician - 377
Biological Field Technician – Various Counties, Iowa
Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States. Since 1990, WEST has grown to be one of the premier environmental and statistical consulting firms in the United States. WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data. WEST has an opening for 20 full-time, in various counties, Iowa.
Job Summary:
The primary responsibility of this position is to conduct standardized fatality searches beneath wind turbines to locate bird and bat fatalities. Successful candidates must be able to live and work in a remote field setting, work well both independently and with others, and follow field and data collection protocols. Training will be provided. An average work week may include 30-40 hours for full-time employees, though there may be weeks requiring shorter or longer hours, depending on the project and seasonal workloads. Travel between sites will be required; personal vehicle use is encouraged and mileage will be reimbursed. A vehicle can be provided for work purposes if needed.
Responsibilities include:
• Standardized fatality searches
• Standardized protocols to measure sources of bias in fatality surveys
• Potential opportunities to conduct additional biological surveys
Project Length: June 29 – October 16, 2020
Schedule: Full-time and part-time with some scheduling flexibility
Compensation: $13.50 – 15.00 per hour, DOE
Housing: Housing or rent reimbursement may be provided to qualifying technicians
This a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of all the duties which may be associated with this position
Job Requirements
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree preferred; Undergraduates or other enthusiastic workers are still encouraged to apply
- Candidates with in-field experience with regional wind projects will be given preference
- Experience with macro-photography, bat and bird identification of Midwestern species, and guides/keys for identification is preferred
- Skilled use of computers, GPS units, topographic maps, compass, and other field equipment is required
- Candidates must be organized, and able to collect and manage data, including implementing quality control measures
- Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients, and landowners
- Job requires the person filling this position to be able to appear for work on time; start times can often start as early as sunrise
Physical Requirements:
- Applicants must be in good physical condition, as surveys will require walking for entire shifts in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme
- Technicians must be equipped with and provide own suitable safety toed footwear (steel or composite-toe), binoculars, clothing, water bottles, etc.
Successful candidates must be able to pass a background check; a pre-employment drug screen; 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 is an employee owned organization with a tradition of professional integrity dedicated to a family atmosphere and a diverse workforce.
Key Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive Medical (if working 30 or more hours a week)
- SEP/IRA (100% employer contributions, after initial eligibility requirements are met)
WEST provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identify, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status or 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.