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 full-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.