Biological Field Technician - 681
Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States, is looking for a temporary part time, Biological Field Technician to conduct bat acoustic detector checks southeast of Yerington, Nevada approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes southeast of Reno, Nevada. 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, Inc. is a federal contractor and is required under Executive Order 14042 to mandate vaccinations for employment. Effective immediately, all prospective hires will be required to provide documentation that they have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19, or as a condition of employment agree to have their final vaccination dose (either their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or single dose of Johnson & Johnson) on or before January 4, 2022. Per the order, employees may also request a Medical or Religious exemption from the vaccine requirement and the request must be supported by a doctor for a medical exemption or by a statement from the employee for a sincerely held belief for a religious exemption.
Key Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- $300.00 Completion Bonus for employees in good standing
- Comprehensive Medical (if working 30 or more hours a week)
- Sep IRA (100% employer contributions)
Join WEST and you will discover and enjoy:
- Family friendly environment
- Diverse workforce and DE&I efforts
- Great work/life balance
- Flexible and Casual work culture
- Professional growth opportunity
- Safe and happy working environment
Job Description:
Primary duties involve:
- Conducting acoustic presence/absence survey for various bat species in Reno, NV
- Deploying and collecting data from ultrasonic bat detectors (e.g., SM3BAT or SM4BAT)
- Checking two ground-based detectors 2 days per month or every 2-4 weeks depending on need
- Fieldwork will require long days in a range of temperatures and wind speeds.
- Job duties include navigational skills on two track roads, global positioning system devices, digital cameras, as well as the ability to maintain equipment and upload large data files using decent or high speed internet.
- Training will be provided for all survey efforts and job related activities.
- Technicians will be required to follow all safety protocols for WEST
- Technicians will be expected to use good judgment to stay safe and work efficiently.
Compensation: $18-20 per hour, DOE
Start date: March 1, 2022
End date: November 1, 2022
Location: Yerington, NV
Housing: housing will not be provided
Additional details: The technician must have reliable transportation to and from the work site and will be reimbursed mileage at the current federal standard rate. GPS unit, camera and laptop (if necessary) will be provided by WEST, however, technician must be equipped with and provide own suitable safety footwear (rugged hiking boots, etc.) and clothing. Acoustic data will need to be uploaded in a timely manner after being retrieved from the detectors each session check.
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.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, wildlife management, wildlife biology or equivalent degree preferred; however, undergraduates and enthusiastic workers are encouraged to apply.
- Must live within 1 hour 30 minute drive of the town of Yerington, Nevada.
- Prior experience deploying detectors and maintaining bat acoustic data is preferred but not required; high quality data management skills are most important.
- 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.
- Ability to follow protocol is essential.
- 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; follow instructions from project managers and field supervisors; interact effectively with coworkers and clients; maintain a positive attitude; and accept guidance and constructive criticism.
- Precise and thorough data collection is essential.
- Field technicians must be equipped with and provide own suitable footwear (rugged hiking boot) and clothing.
Physical Requirements:
- Applicants must be in good physical shape and able to navigate rugged terrain as surveys may be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme.
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.