Biological Field Technician

Western Eco Systems Technology, Inc. (WEST)

Western Eco Systems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for 1 temporary, full-time Biological Field Technician to investigate the impact of wind turbines on bats and birds at an operational wind facility located near Boone, Iowa, starting end of July 2026 through October 18, 2026.

• Job Title:
  
  Biological Field Technician
• Salary: $19–$21/hour, DOE
• Classification:
  Hourly (Temporary)
• Location:
  
  Boone County, IA US;
  Green County, IA US (Primary)
• Job Type: Temporary
• # of Hires Needed: 1
• Start Date:
  
  July 20th, 2026 (admin), July 30th, 2026 (field)
• End Date:
  October 18, 2026
• Housing:
  Housing may be provided or rent reimbursement for qualifying applicants; local candidates will have preference.
• Completion Bonus: up to $500 will be provided upon completion of the project while in good standing.

Biological field technicians will conduct standardized searches beneath wind turbines to locate and document bird and bat fatalities. An average work week will include 30–40 hours for full‑time temporary employees, though there may be weeks requiring shorter or longer hours.

• Conduct field work while adhering to WEST standards and client field safety requirements.
• Conduct standardized fatality searches and follow electronic and paper data collection protocols.
• Collect data to measure potential sources of bias in fatality surveys.
• Potential opportunities to conduct additional biological surveys.

• Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree preferred; undergraduates or other enthusiastic workers are encouraged to apply.
• Candidates with field experience at regional wind projects will be given preference.
• Experience with macro‑photography, tablet data collection, GPS units, compass, and other field equipment is preferred.
• Experience using field guides/keys for identification is preferred, especially for bird and bat identification within the Central Flyway.
• Candidates must be organized, and able to collect and manage electronic data, including implementing quality control measures.
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients, and landowners.
• Job requires the person filling this position to be able to appear for work on time; start times can often be as early as sunrise.
• Off‑road driver training will be provided, which will include a driving assessment.

• Applicants must be in good physical condition; surveys will require walking 7–10 miles a day in locations where temperatures and conditions can be challenging.
• Applicants must be able to safely open and close gates weighing 40+ pounds.
• Must be equipped with and provide own suitable safety‑toed footwear (steel‑ or composite‑toe), binoculars, clothing, water bottles, etc.

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.