Biological Field Technician - (1670)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States, is looking for 7 temporary, full-time Field Technicians to complete evening surveys for grassland raptors, such as northern harriers and short-eared owls, as well as other bird species such as northern shrikes, horned larks, snow buntings, American pipits, eagles and other raptors, at locations near the town of Waterville in New York.

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: $19.25 - $24.75/ hour, DOE
• Start date: Week of November 15, 2024
• End date: March 30, 2025 (likely continuing until April 15, 2025)
• Location: Waterville, New York
• Completion Bonus: $350 will be provided upon completion of the Project while in good standing.
• Additional details: Technicians will use their own reliable transportation to and from the work site and be reimbursed mileage at the current federal standard rate. A housing reimbursement and/or field housing may be available to qualified non-local applicants.

Job Summary:

Successful candidates will conduct avian point-count, behavior, and flight path surveys along various “grassland” sites adjacent to a variety of landscapes ranging from agriculture and grassland to rugged forested mountain slopes at project locations in New York. Surveys start at one hour before sunset and will require thorough data collection while locating identifying avian species by sight and sound until at least one hour after sunset. Moving to daily survey sites may require hiking considerable distances, often on steep terrain. Field personnel are expected to spend 3 - 5 hours in the field per workday, resulting in about 25-40 hours/week with some overtime (paid at time and a half) possible. Field surveys may undergo frequent scheduling changes due to weather, requiring successful candidates to maintain flexibility, effective communication, and strong organization skills. WEST will provide a housing stipend and/or housing, and personal protective equipment (e.g., hard hat, safety vest). Successful candidates will be expected to use their own reliable vehicle for use on the project and be reimbursed at the current federal standard rate.

 Responsibilities:

• Able to work independently as well as in a team
• Effectively communicate with WEST supervisors and client personnel to successfully coordinate the field logistics of a large crew of avian technicians
• Maintain regular communication with field crews, supervisors, and various client personnel both on site and electronically
• Use of cellular and desktop applications such as Microsoft and Google tools to distribute, and track survey schedules and status
• Use of common field tools such as hand-held GPS units or cellular mapping applications
• Identification of eastern bird species by sight and sound
• Accurately interpret bird behavior and activity
• Keep meticulous notes on bird behavior, bird locations, and flight paths
• Safely traverse rugged project areas and hiking long distances while maintaining focus on surveys
• Adherence to WEST and client field and safety protocols
• Perform data checks on oneself and others and submit field reports daily
• Maintain professional and detailed communication between colleagues, supervisors, client personnel, and members of the public who may be encountered while on the job

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:

• Candidate should be a passionate birder, with demonstrated experience identifying eastern grassland bird species and raptor species by sight and sound is required
• Previous experience conducting avian surveys, and experience with point counts, raptor surveys, or targeted surveys for plant and animal species is a preferred
• Must live within approximately one hour drive of Waterville, NY or be willing to relocate for the field season.  Some housing costs may be reimbursed depending on budget availability.
• Skilled use of topographic maps, cellular mapping applications, and other field equipment is required
• Must be able to work alone in the field and be able to appear for work on time (surveys begin 1 hour before sunset and generally last until at least 1 hour after sunset), maintain focus for long periods of time, and interact effectively with project managers, clients, landowners, and others.
• Must be able to hike over various types of terrain
• Must be able to cope with unanticipated changes to work schedules, fluctuating temperatures, and variable field conditions.
• Must provide own binoculars, suitable footwear (hiking boots), and proper clothing for changing weather conditions.
• Precise and thorough data collection and submission is essential.
• Follow all WEST and client safety protocols.

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.