Biological Field Technician

Western EcoSystems 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. 

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: $22-40/ hr DOE. Higher rates are reserved for candidates with extensive experience and/or filling lead roles. Overtime may be required for some projects.
• Housing: Not provided, but lodging reimbursed for any travel
• Start Date: May 2026, but flexible. Later start dates will also be considered
• End Date: May 2027, but possibility of extension depending on employee performance and available work
• Location: Projects throughout Kern County, California, with the possibility of additional work in other areas of southern California and Nevada if applicant is willing to travel.
• Additional Details: Vehicle will be provided or mileage reimbursed. Lodging and per diem is provided for any travel that is required to complete the work. PPE, GPS units and other field equipment will be provided by WEST; however, field technicians must be equipped with suitable footwear (rugged hiking boots) and binoculars.

Job Description:
Primary duties involved:

• Pre-construction surveys for sensitive wildlife and plant species at construction projects (primarily solar facilities)
• Species that may be surveyed include western burrowing owl, western Joshua tree, western spadefoot toad, desert thrasher species, desert tortoise, kit fox, American badger, nesting birds and other sensitive species as needed
• Assisting with botanical surveys (for applicants with botanical experience – not required)
• Biological compliance monitoring of construction activities, including daily pre-activity sweeps of work areas, diligent record-keeping and reporting, and regular communication with site leads and project managers.
• Conducting tasks in accordance with project wildlife permits (e.g., incidental take permits), such as burrow excavation, passive relocation of animals, nest monitoring, etc.
• Additional wildlife and plant surveys throughout Southern California and Nevada, if willing to travel
• On-site leadership of field survey teams and biological monitors (for candidates with applicable experience)

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 natural resources, wildlife management or biology or similar degree preferred but not required
• Experience with biological compliance monitoring on construction sites preferred
• Experience conducting surveys for one or more of the species listed above, or general familiarity with wildlife and plants in the desert southwest
• Ability to follow data collection protocols and collect quality data diligently
• Ability to understand, follow and/or implement federal, state and local regulations and permits pertaining to wildlife and natural resources
• Possess foundational biological technician field skills such as using GPS devices or mobile phones to navigate to survey areas, clear and frequent communication with project managers and leads
• Experience safely driving 4WD work vehicles on rugged off-highway roads that may be sandy, muddy, or rocky, as well as typical highway conditions. Candidates should have good defensive driving skills and possess good judgement on the road.
• Leadership skills, ability to clearly communicate with other field staff and managers and manage day-to-day activities on-site teams preferred but not required

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical condition and must have the ability to work outdoors for long hours, often standing or walking. Work may be conducted during hot, windy, or otherwise inclement weather.

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.