Biological Field Technician

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 3 temporary BiologicalField Technicians to assist with a variety of wildlife survey work in Indiana (and potentially in neighboring 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. 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: $19.00 - $21.00/hour, DOE; eligible for overtime pay.
• Housing: Reimbursement may be provided to qualified applicants.
• Start Date: April 1, 2025
• End Date: October 16, 2025 (possibility of extension)
• Location: Northwestern Illinois: near Walnut, IL
• Additional Details: Field equipment needed to complete surveys will be provided by WEST. Field technicians must be equipped with suitable footwear (steel/composite-toed boots for post-construction surveys), and appropriate clothing.

Job Summary:

WEST is looking for candidates to reside in or near Bureau County, IL and conduct wildlife surveys throughout the region. Surveys will focus on post-construction mortality monitoring at active wind facilities.

Successful applicants must be able to work in a rural field setting, work well both independently and with others, and follow field and data collection protocols. Training will be provided for all survey types. An average workweek will be approximately 30-40 hours, though there may be weeks requiring shorter or longer hours. Candidates must be comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions. Job duties require use of a compass, GPS, paper and/or electronic data collection, and/or electronic map devices.

Responsibilities include (positions may include additional survey types depending on qualifications of applicants) :

• Conducting fieldwork independently in remote locations.
• Field navigation and travel on rural roads to record data.
• Working outdoors in a range ofweather conditions.

Post-construction monitoring responsibilities include:

• Surveys looking for bird and bat carcasses beneath active wind turbines.
• Participation in carcass persistence and searcher efficiency trials.
• Field and in-hand bird and bat species identification (training provided).
• Data management

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.