Biological Field Technician

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for a temporary, full-time Biological Field Technician. 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. Benefits include housing reimbursement, mileage reimbursement, and provision of personal protective equipment, GPS units, compasses, cameras, and range finders. Technical equipment like protective footwear, clothing, and binoculars must be supplied by the technician. Key Details: Compensation: $20 - 22.50/hr, depending on experience Housing: Housing reimbursement of $800/month for eligible employees Start Date: 7/6/2026 End Date: 10/15/2026 Location: Lee and Bureau Counties, Illinois Additional Details: Technician must have a reliable vehicle and will receive mileage reimbursement at the federal rate. Personal protective equipment (PPE), GPS unit, compass, camera, and range finder (if necessary) will be provided by WEST; technician must supply suitable safety toed footwear, clothing, and binoculars. Job Description: Conducting fatality monitoring for bird and bat fatalities beneath operating wind turbines within industrial agricultural settings. Perform general maintenance on bat acoustic detector equipment and collect and transfer acoustic data to upper-level bat biologists. Fieldwork will require long days in a range of temperatures and wind speeds. Fatality monitoring will entail long hours of walking, sometimes in inclement conditions. Candidate must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, dust, extreme heat and humidity, and cold). Candidate must be comfortable working alone. Hours worked are between 30-40 hours per week and may require overtime and weekend work. Workdays may start as early as 30 minutes before sunrise and end as late as 30 minutes after sunset. Job duties require use of compass, GPS devices, binoculars, range finders, and digital cameras, as well as the ability to maintain equipment. Technicians will be required to perform data review and management as well as other administrative tasks at the end of each field day. Training will be provided for all survey efforts and job-related activities. Technicians will be required to follow all safety protocols for WEST and the wind energy facilities. Technicians will be expected to use good judgment to stay safe and work efficiently. This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of the duties which may be associated with this position. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in natural resources, wildlife management, wildlife biology or equivalent degree preferred; undergraduates and enthusiastic workers are encouraged to apply. Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients, and landowners. Must be able to maintain equipment. Ability to follow protocol is essential. Good bird identification skills for species in the region, ability to identify bats in the region, and use of guides and keys for identification are preferred. 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. Precise and thorough data collection is essential. Physical Requirements: Applicants must be in good physical shape, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme. Ability to walk long distances (10+miles) in extreme heat. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr