Biological Field Technician

Biological Field Technician

Western Eco Systems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for a temporary, part‑time Biological Field Technician.

• Compensation
  : $19.25–$22.50 per hour, DOE; eligible for overtime pay.
• Housing
  :
  Not provided.
• Start Date
  : ASAP; field work starts August 3rd.
• End Date
  :
  October 30, 2026.
• Location
  :
  Wind energy facility in Chowan County, North Carolina. Candidate should live within a 1.5‑hour drive of Edenton NC (Norfolk VA, Nags Head NC, Greenville NC, etc.).
• Additional Details
  :
  Expect 16–36 hour work weeks comprising 2 back‑to‑back 8‑hour workdays weekly, with some weeks requiring additional shorter visits to the project (2–6 hour workdays). Travel to and from site and on site will be required; a rental vehicle with gas reimbursements will be provided for work‑related travel. Company vehicles are equipped with telematics systems for safety, operational efficiency, and compliance purposes.
  
  However, the Employee may choose upon hire to use their personal vehicle with mileage reimbursed at $0.725 mile.

The primary responsibilities of this position are:

• Conduct standardized searches for bird and bat carcasses beneath wind turbines.
• Work alone and unsupervised in a rural field setting while also collaborating with others and following field and data entry protocols.
• Previous experience conducting carcass searches is preferred but not required.
• On‑site training will be provided by the project management team.
• Work about 16–36 hours per week, with variability based on seasonal objectives and logistics.

• Standardized carcass searches.
• Follow standardized protocols to measure sources of bias in fatality surveys.
• Potential opportunities to conduct additional local and regional biological surveys such as eagle biomonitoring, if experience and availability align.

• Must be organized and able to collect, manage, and quality check data.
• Experience with eastern bat and/or bird identification is preferred; ability to identify species using guides/keys is required.
• Skilled use of communication technology and software such as mobile GIS/mapping apps, mobile data collection forms, text messaging, email, and Microsoft Teams is strongly preferred.
• Use of GPS units, topographic maps, compass, and other field equipment is required and will be provided.
• Must accurately follow study plans, safety protocols, and other instructions from the management team.
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients, and landowners.
• Must be able to appear for work on time; start times may be as early as sunrise.

• Applicants must be in good physical condition; surveys will require extensive walking and repeatedly getting in and out of their vehicle for entire shifts in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme.
• Technicians must be equipped with and provide own suitable safety toed footwear (steel or composite‑toe) and clothing suitable for outdoor work in all elements.

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 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.