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Biological Field Technician - (994)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States, is looking for four temporary, full-time, Biological Field Technicians. 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. 
 
Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!
 
Key Details:
  • Compensation: $24.00 and up DOE
  • Start date: November 28, 2022
  • End date: October 31, 2023
  • Location: Thurston and Lewis County, Washington
  • Housing: The nearest community to the Project is Rainier, WA. Partial housing reimbursement will be provided depending on lodging needs. Options for housing exists in Centralia, Chehalis, Olympia and surrounding communities
  • Additional details: Work trucks are provided and are equipped with CB radios and all other field and safety gear. A rain gear reimbursement will be provided to purchase the appropriate gear to withstand the harsh weather conditions. A completion bonus will be awarded if the candidate completes the full term of employment.

Primary duties involve:
  • Conducting post-construction fatality monitoring at operational wind turbines for bird and bat carcasses and conduct searcher efficiency and carcass persistence bias trials. Occasional night work will be required when conducting bias trials (approximately 5 days a season).
  • Fatality monitoring will require long days of continuous walking, often in close proximity to other team members. Surveyors may be required to walk in excess of 10 miles per day.
  • Candidates must be comfortable with hazards typical of mountain and timber harvesting environment including: driving on hazardous logging roads, extreme temperature and weather variations, and must be comfortable operating 4X4 vehicles in rough terrain day and night.
  • Safely navigate active logging roads and continuously communicate over a citizens band radio with others regarding your location and driving direction day and night.
  • Ability to maintain high search acuity and awareness in various weather conditions.
  • Workloads are expected to average 40 hours per week with possibility of overtime.
  • 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 should have, at minimum, a familiarity with Pacific Northwest bird and bat species.
  • 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.
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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 with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.
  • Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients, and landowners.
  • Ability to operate 4x4 trucks in all weather conditions (continuous rain, fog, snow and ice).
  • Ability to properly chain up vehicle tires when necessary and safely operate vehicle once chains are on.
  • Ability to follow protocol is essential.
  • Good bird and bat identification skills for species in the region and ability to use guides and keys for identification are preferred.
  • 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.
 
Physical Requirements:
  • Applicants must be in excellent physical shape, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme. Snowshoe during winter months will be required.
  • Applicants must be able to hike 10+miles/day in adverse weather conditions.
  • Candidate must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, wildlife, hiking in rugged terrain, and continuous rain).
  • Candidate must provide their own steel-toed boots; other safety gear such as hardhat, snowshoes, glasses, gloves, and vest will be provided.
 
WEST is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for everyone and highly recommends all prospective hires be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to their start date. While WEST does not currently require vaccinations, please be aware that WEST has a mandatory vaccination policy in place should local, state or federal law require vaccinations. Additionally, WEST has certain clients that require all personnel to be vaccinated prior to working on their projects, so individuals will be required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination prior to working on those projects. As an exception, 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 outlining a sincerely held belief to qualify for a religious exemption. Please contact us if you have any questions.
 
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.