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 1 temporary, part-time, Biological Field Technician to assist with a variety of wildlife survey work in Illinois.

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: $19.25 - $22.50/hour, DOE; eligible for overtime pay.
• Start Date: August 1, 2026
• End Date: October 16, 2026
• Location: Springfield, IL.
• Additional Details: Travel to and around field sites will be required. Equipment needed to complete surveys will be provided by WEST.

Job Summary:

WEST is looking for a candidate to reside in or near Springfield Illinois and conduct wildlife surveys throughout the region. Surveys will focus on post-construction mortality monitoring at active wind facilities. Training will be provided for all survey types. An average workweek will be approximately 20-29 hours, though there may be weeks requiring shorter or longer hours. Weekend and or Holiday work may be required, depending on survey schedules and weather conditions. Candidates must be comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions, and in rural agricultural regions. Job duties require use of a compass, GPS, paper and/or electronic maps, and electronic data collection devices.

Successful candidates for this position will be:

• Able to work independently while interacting professionally with WEST employees, clients, and landowners.
• Comfortable working outdoors in a rural field setting for long hours from August 1 - October 15.
• Able to collect, quality-check, and consistently upload data with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Committed to working safely in field environments by following established protocols, maintaining situational awareness, and prioritizing personal and team safety.

Responsibilities include: (positions may include additional survey types depending on qualifications of applicants) :

• Conducting standardized carcass surveys beneath active wind turbines.
• Participation in carcass persistence and searcher efficiency trials.
• Bird and bat species identification and collection (training provided).
• Manage data in both physical and digital formats.

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of all the duties that may be associated with this position.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree preferred; undergraduates or other enthusiastic workers are encouraged to apply
• Must be organized and able to collect, manage, and quality check data.
• Must accurately follow study plans, safety protocols, and other instructions from the management team.
• Appear for work on time as scheduled (surveys may begin as early as sunrise).
• Skilled use of Microsoft Teams, physical maps, tablets, compass, range finders, and other field equipment is preferable.
• Candidates with field experience at regional wind projects will be given preference.

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical condition; surveys will require walking for entire shifts in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme.
• Technicians must be equipped with and provide own suitable footwear and clothing appropriate for outdoor work in all elements.

After an offer of employment is made, thecandidatemust successfully pass a pre-employmentbackground check,drug screening,and 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.