Biological Field Technician - (930)
Interested in working outdoors? Have a wildlife-related degree you would like to put to use? Then Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) has a job opportunity for you! WEST is currently looking for one individual for a position near Bismarck, North Dakota.
WEST, a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States, is seeking a self-motivated temporary field biologist to assist our North Dakota Office located in Bismarck, ND with survey work in central North Dakota and northeastern South Dakota. Preference will be given to candidates willing to commit to survey period, from August 1 – November 15, 2022. 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 sophisticated analysis of natural resource data.
Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!
Key Details:
- Compensation: $16.00+ per hour based on experience.
- Start date: ASAP
- End date: November 15, 2022
- Location: North Dakota and South Dakota
- Housing: Lodging and per diem will be provided when traveling for work
- Additional details: A WEST rented truck will be provided unless candidate prefers reimbursement for a personal vehicle (mileage reimbursement at the federal rate will be provided). 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, safety-toe boots (steel or plastic), and binoculars.
Job Summary:
Primary duties involve:
- Conducting bias trials beneath operating wind turbines at facilities located in North Dakota and South Dakota.
- Conducting bird and bat fatality monitoring surveys beneath operating wind turbines in southeastern South Dakota.
- Work will include field data collection following best practices to collect data, including but not limited to proper implementation of survey protocols, accuracy, and secure and confidential data handling.
- Fieldwork might require multiple days of continuous walking, approximately 1-2 miles per day.
- Fieldwork will require working in potentially high winds, extreme temperatures, and remote locations.
- Candidates must be comfortable operating 4X4 vehicles in potentially rough terrain or less than ideal road conditions.
- Job duties will require use of compass, global positioning system devices, binoculars, range finders, tablets, and digital cameras.
- Technicians will be expected to use good judgment and follow WEST and Project protocols to stay healthy, safe, and efficient.
- Candidates may be required to work weekends periodically.
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.
Job Requirements:
- Applicants must be in good physical condition, as fieldwork will be conducted under potentially extreme environmental conditions.
- Applicants must be able to hike 1 – 2 miles per day in potentially adverse weather conditions.
- 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.
- Previous experience conducting biological field studies is preferred.
- Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients, and landowners.
- Ability to follow protocol is essential.
- Ability to work independently.
- Precise and thorough data collection 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, and work independently.
Due to stringent client requirements and WEST's commitment to provide a safe and healthy work environment for everyone, all prospective hires will be required to provide documentation that they have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to their start date. 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 related to the requirement and/or exemptions.
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.