Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for 33 temporary, full-time Biological Field Technicians to help investigate the impact of wind turbines on bats and birds at operational wind facilities throughout Iowa, starting end of June 2024 through October 31, 2024.

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: $17.75– $20/ hour, DOE
• Completion Bonus: up to $500 will be provided upon completion of the Project while in good standing.
• Housing: Housing provided or rent reimbursement may be provided to qualifying applicants.
• Start Date: June 24, 2024
• End Date: October 31, 2024
• Location: Various counties (e.g., Adair, Cass, Poweshiek, Greene, Webster, Ida, Pocahontas, O’Brien, Marshall), Iowa

Job Summary:

Biological field technicians will conduct standardized searches beneath wind turbines to locate and document bird and bat carcasses. Successful candidates must be able to follow field and data collection protocols, work well both independently and with others, and live and work in a rural setting. Training will be provided on bird/bat identification and field data collection. An average work week may include 30-40 hours for full-time employees, though there may be weeks requiring shorter or longer hours. Travel between sites will be required; personal vehicle use will be reimbursed for mileage, or a field vehicle will be provided if needed. Successful candidates will work independently, but within a larger team of field technicians, gaining hands on field experience collecting scientific data used to assess the impacts of wind turbines on bats across Iowa. Apply now to join our team of nationally recognized avian and bat biologists as a biological field technician!

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of all duties which may be associated with this position.

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct field work while adhering to WEST and client field safety requirements.
• Conduct standardized fatality searches and follow electronic and paper data collection protocol.
• Collect data for standardized protocols to measure sources of bias in fatality surveys.
• Potential opportunities to conduct additional biological surveys.

Requirements/Skill preference:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree preferred; undergraduates or other enthusiastic workers are encouraged to apply
• Candidates with field experience at regional wind projects will be given preference
• Experience with macro-photography, tablet data collection, GPS units, compass, and other field equipment is preferred
• Experience using field guides/keys for identification is preferred, especially for bird and bat identification within the Central Flyway
• Candidates must be organized, and able to collect and manage electronic 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 be as early as sunrise
• Off-road driver training will be provided which will include a driving assessment

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 as well as safely opening and closing gates weighing 50+ pounds.
• Must be equipped with and provide own suitable safety toed footwear (steel- or composite-toe), binoculars, clothing, water bottles, etc.

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. 

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.