Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic, medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States, is looking for a temporary, part-time, Biological Field Technician.

Since 1990, WEST has become one of the premier environmental and statistical consulting firms in the United States. WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

Key Details:

• Compensation: $20-$23/hour, DOE
• Start date: June 2023
• End date: August 2023
• Location: Hermiston, Oregon
• Additional details: Housing will be provided during the work week if needed. Vehicle will be provided or mileage reimbursed. GPS units and other field equipment will be provided by WEST; however, field technicians must be equipped with suitable footwear (rugged hiking boots).

Job Description:
Primary duties involve:

• Conduct rare plant surveys by walking transects and mapping population occurrences.

• Fieldwork will require long days in a wide variety of conditions (300 - 100° F) and wind speeds.
• Candidate must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, driving an ATV, carrying 30 pounds of gear, dust, extreme heat and cold).
• Job duties require use of tablet and Global Positioning System devices.
• Training will be provided.
• An average workweek may include 40-50 hours, though may require shorter or longer hours some weeks, depending on the project and seasonal workloads.

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 botany, natural resources, environmental science or equivalent degree preferred.
• Proficient in plant identification using dichotomous keys.
• Able to work independently or with a crew member and interact positively with project manager, field supervisor, and other coworkers.
• Preference will be given to individuals that have rare plant survey experience.
• Employee must be able to appear for work on time (surveys often begin as early as sunrise); maintain focus for long periods of time; follow instructions from manager and team leader; maintain positive attitude; and accept guidance and constructive criticism. Precise and thorough data collection is essential.

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical condition, as surveys will require hiking up to 8 miles each day over uneven terrain and will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme. Surveyors may encounter snakes, insects, and other wildlife.

Due to stringent client requirements for this project, the selected candidate(s) will be required to provide documentation that they have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to their start date. Please contact us if you have any questions related to this requirement.

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.