Biological Field Technician - (1011)
Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States, is looking for three 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.
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Key Details:
- Compensation: $19 - $25 hourly DOE
- Housing: Partial rent reimbursement possible depending on location
- Start Date: Late February or early March 2023
- End Date: August 31, 2023
- Location: Central Oregon, including Corvallis, Newport, Lincoln City, Eugene, Salem, or the surrounding areas.
- Additional Details: 4 nights, 40 hours per week. Optional overtime opportunities will be available.
Job Summary:
The successful candidate will be:
- Able to work independently in a variety of potentially hazardous circumstances and areas, usually between sunset and sunrise, to conduct northern spotted owl surveys on private timber lands.
- The ideal candidate will be experienced in spotted owl surveys and/or environmental consulting and comfortable working nights.
Responsibilities include:
- Hike and drive forest roads at night to access survey stations.
- Conduct electronic broadcast surveys for northern spotted owls and accurately record and map any owl species heard or seen.
- Take detailed field notes and accurately map owl locations.
- Conduct daytime surveys as needed to follow up on any nighttime detections of spotted owls, including daytime visits to historic nest or roost locations as needed.
- Independently maintain a schedule ensuring surveys are completed within designated timeframes.
- Complete data forms, road clearing, and additional duties as required.
This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of all the duties which may be associated with this position.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree preferred but not required with adequate experience.
- A minimum of one year field experience is required; candidates with prior experience with spotted owl surveys and/or night work will be given preference.
- Must be able to identify spotted owls by sight and/or sound, including the ability to differentiate between spotted owls and barred owls.
- Experience with or sufficient demonstrable understanding of navigation techniques including topographic maps, compass, and/or PLSS systems is required.
- Must be able to adhere to all WEST safety protocol, including strict check-in routines while in the field.
- Must be able to work independently and alone in the field; a high degree of self-motivation, attention to detail, independent problem-solving skills, and a sense of humor are essential
Physical Requirements:
- Candidates must be able to walk long distances at night along closed roads in often steep, brushy terrain.
- Must be comfortable working in poor weather conditions with the possibility of encountering wildlife (possibly dangerous) and various plants (i.e.: poison oak)
- Candidates must have hearing capabilities to be able to accurately identify owls by sound.
- Candidates must be able to confidently, safely, and efficiently navigate infrequently maintained logging roads with a 4WD vehicle or ATV in areas with little or no cell phone reception, often at night.
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.
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.