Detection Dog Handler & Trainer

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic, medium-size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for an individual experienced with handling a scent detection dog and mentoring others to do the same. This position will be based in the Midwest. Since 1990, WEST has grown to be 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: Experience dependent
• Housing: NA
• Start Date: December 5, 2022
• End Date: through October 2023 with the potential for extension
• Location: Midwest, US

Job Summary:
The successful candidate for this position will:

• Assist in recruiting, training and evaluating detection dog handler teams for post-construction fatality monitoring surveys at wind projects.
• Train for and conduct field surveys using your own dog(s) for birds, bats, or other species as needed.
• Promote safe work practices for dog-handler teams.

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:

The successful candidate must be a self-starter who possesses or can obtain:

• Ownership of a working dog with previous detection experience, or ownership of a dog suitable for training for scent work.
• Certified completion of WEST’s scent detection training protocol.
• Prior experience training and using detection dogs (2 years), preferably for wildlife surveys.
• Demonstrable knowledge of dog behavior, reward-based training and communication.
• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to work effectively both independently and in a team-based environment.
• Previous experience coordinating and providing leadership to small groups.
• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology or related field preferred; an equivalent degree combined with significant detection dog experience (3 years) can be substituted.

WEST is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for everyone and highly recommends all prospective hires be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to their start date. While WEST does not currently require vaccinations, please be aware that WEST has a mandatory vaccination policy in place should local, state or federal law require vaccinations. Additionally, WEST has certain clients that require all personnel to be vaccinated prior to working on their projects, so individuals will be required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination prior to working on those projects. As an exception, employees may also request a Medical or Religious exemption from the vaccine requirement and the request must be supported by a doctor for a medical exemption or by a statement from the employee outlining a sincerely held belief to qualify for a religious exemption. Please contact us if you have any questions.

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.