Crew Lead

Western Eco Systems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium‑size consulting firm with offices across the United States, is looking for a full‑time, temporary Crew Lead to help manage a team of biological field technicians and conduct surveys that will investigate the impact of wind turbines on bats and birds at operational wind facilities throughout Iowa and southern Minnesota, starting mid‑June 2026 through October 15, 2026.

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.

• Compensation
  : $22‑24/hour, depending on experience
• Housing
  :
  Housing will be provided for non‑local candidates
• Start Date
  : approximately June 15, 2026
• End Date
  :
  October 15, 2026
• Location
  :
  Iowa and southern Minnesota
• Additional Details
  : A vehicle will be provided for work completion or mileage reimbursed for personal vehicle use. Company vehicles are equipped with telematics systems for safety, operational efficiency, and compliance purposes. Work phone, tablet, global positioning system (GPS) unit, compass, and range finder (if necessary) will be provided by WEST; however, the technician must be equipped with and provide own suitable safety toed footwear (rugged hiking boots, etc.),
  
  clothing, and binoculars (if necessary).

*
* Job Description:

**

The successful candidate for this position will be:

• Able to work independently as well as in team settings with the ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with a crew of up to 5 technicians.
• Skilled in identifying regional birds and bats by sight, with experience working in adverse weather conditions and navigating rough terrain.
• Well‑organized, capable of electronically tracking and maintaining data according to standardized protocols across various facilities, tracking systems, and databases.

*
* Responsibilities Include:

**

• Supervising up to five biological field technicians surveying across multiple facilities.
• Communicating with technicians via phone/text and email, including availability when crews are working (early mornings and late evenings).
• Helping train and coach new biological field technicians on use of gear and survey protocols.
• Searching designated plots beneath wind turbines for bat and bird fatalities and collecting data on tablets to measure sources of bias in fatality estimation; there may be limited opportunities to conduct additional biological surveys.
• Assisting in creating schedules of searches and bias trials at each facility.
• Reviewing data summaries daily to ensure quality data is being collected by field staff, providing corrections/guidance as necessary.
• Fieldwork requiring long days in a range of temperatures and wind speeds.
• Fatality monitoring involving long hours of walking, sometimes in inclement conditions and on uneven ground.
• Being comfortable with environmental hazards such as sharp vegetation, driving a four‑wheel drive vehicle, dust, extreme heat and cold.
• Working 30‑40 hours per week, with the possibility of overtime.
• Using a compass, GPS devices, and range finders, and maintaining equipment.
• Undergoing training for all survey efforts and job‑related activities.
• Following all safety protocols for WEST and the wind energy facilities.
• Using sound judgment to stay safe and work efficiently.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, wildlife management, wildlife biology, or an equivalent degree preferred; however, undergraduates and enthusiastic workers are encouraged to apply.
• Candidates with previous management experience and/or in‑field experience with regional wind projects will be given preference.
• Ability to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients, and landowners.
• Ability to maintain equipment and follow protocols.
• Good bat and bird…