Description
Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for a 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.
Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!
Key Details:
Compensation: $17.00 - $20.75 DOE
Start Date: July 13, 2026
End Date: October 15, 2026
Location: Work site is near Cresson, PA
Additional Details:Training will be provided for all survey efforts and job-related activities.
Technicians must provide their own suitable safety toed footwear (rugged hiking boots, etc.) and field clothing.
Personal safety gear including a high-visibility vest and hard hat will be provided by WEST.
Field equipment including a GPS unit, compass, Tablet, and range finder (if necessary) will be provided by WEST.
Mileage will be reimbursed for use of personal vehicle for surveys at the current IRS rate. Successful candidates should live within an approximately 1-hour drive of Cresson, PA (Altoona, Indiana, Portage, and Hollidaysburg, PA, etc.).
Job Description:
Primary duties involve:
Conducting fatality monitoring for bird and bat carcasses at a wind energy facility.
Participation in carcass persistence and searcher efficiency trials.
Identification of and data collection from bird and bat carcasses.
May have opportunities to help with bat acoustic monitoring and other wildlife surveys.
Hours worked are expected to be between 20-30 hours per week and may require overtime and work on holidays.
Work hours will include two long (approx. 7-9 hour) field days per week (usually Mondays and Fridays) and multiple short days (2-4 hours) per week.
Fieldwork will require long days in a range of temperatures and wind speeds.
Fatality monitoring will require the surveyor to spend several hours walking on gravel surfaces per workday, often in inclement weather conditions.
Appear for work on time (early morning surveys and possibly after dark for searcher efficiency carcass placements).
Candidates must be organized, and able to collect, submit and manage data, including implementing quality control measures following each field survey on a timely basis.
Job duties require the use of compass, GPS, range finders, and a Tablet for digital data collection. The technician is expected to maintain equipment in working order.
Technicians will be required to follow all safety protocols provided by 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
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, wildlife management, biology, environmental science or equivalent degree preferred; however, undergraduates and experienced workers are encouraged to apply.
Familiarity with the region’s bird and bat species is preferred, but willingness to learn and experience using guides and keys for identification is essential.
Employee must be able to appear for work on time; follow verbal and written instructions from supervisors; interact effectively with coworkers and facility staff; maintain a positive attitude; and accept guidance and constructive criticism.
Must be able to work independently, spending most survey days alone in the field, with regular remote communication with supervisors.
Skilled use of GPS units, topographic maps, compass, and other field equipment is beneficial.
Candidates must be comfortable working around and making responsible judgement calls regarding hazards typical of the site (fluctuating temperatures, windy conditions, precipitation, dust, wild animal encounters).
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.
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.
