Job Details

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) is a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada.  We are seeking a full-time Associate Biologist – Wetland Specialist and Field Coordinator in our Texas office. While wetlands will be the focus, the role will support general biology and a wide range of field-based survey efforts. The position will provide mentorship and growth opportunities for early-career or mid-level biologists. All WEST scientists are supported by a team of technical and non-technical staff, setting people up for success.

WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in applied ecological studies, the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data, and impact assessment and permitting. Since its founding in 1990, the WEST team has shaped our work through our core values and key principles that 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!

The minimum base salary for this position is $60,000 and the maximum is $73,000, plus additional annual profit-sharing bonus potential. Salary may vary based on education, knowledge, and experience.

Job Summary:
This position will involve two roles – that of Wetland Specialist to assist with conducting fieldwork and reporting, and that of a Field Coordinator to coordinate fieldwork and field staff for various ecological projects. Ideal candidates will have demonstrable experience and expertise in wetland delineations in Texas in various wetland types, e.g. playa lakes, riparian wetlands, freshwater marshes, saline and brackish marshes and deepwater swamps. Fieldwork, including travel and overnight stays will be regular – usually one-week trips but can occasionally extend to two weeks or longer for larger projects. Office work will also form part of the work mix. Additional tasks may include general environmental planning and consulting, working on medium-to-large scale projects, and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams of biologists, resource specialists, and other technical and non-technical staff.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate with project managers;
• Comfortable working in remote and rugged locations, where access requires hiking or 4wd/ATV proficiency;
• Perform wetland/water delineation project work;
• Support tasks and coordinate field staff as related to natural resource field studies (e.g., wildlife, wetlands, etc.);
• Write technical reports that meet client and regional agency standards;
• Perform quality checks to ensure WEST standards and client requirements are met;
• Conduct day-to-day administration of projects; and
• Other field and office tasks as related to WEST projects.
• Help maintain WEST’s position as thought leaders in the environmental consulting market. 

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:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in environmental planning, biological sciences, natural resources, ecology or equivalent;  
• Ability to perform wetland/water delineation throughout Texas;
• Ability to work outdoors for long days in various climatic conditions
• Experience driving offroad
• Strong botany skills, with rare plant experience a plus;
• General knowledge of threatened and endangered species assessments;
• Emphasis on health and safety;
• Strong, competent writing skills;
• Good time management, ability to be adaptable, and ability to meet deliverable targets and deadlines;
• Ability to work amicably with individuals and teams of people;
• Ability to follow instructions from managers and accept guidance and constructive criticism;
• Work from the WEST Stafford Office in Texas; and
• Be able to travel up to 70-80% of the year.

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.