Iowa

Position Title: Biological Field Technician

Organization: Western Ecosystems Technology

Location: Iowa, Various counties (e.g., Adair, Cass, Poweshiek, Greene, Webster, Ida, Pocahontas, O’Brien, Marshall)

Position Overview: Biological field technicians will conduct standardized searches beneath wind turbines to locate and document bird and bat carcasses. Successful candidates must be able to follow field and data collection protocols, work well both independently and with others, and live and work in a rural setting. Training will be provided on bird/bat identification and field data collection. An average work week may include 30-40 hours for full-time employees, though there may be weeks requiring shorter or longer hours. Travel between sites will be required; personal vehicle use will be reimbursed for mileage, or a field vehicle will be provided if needed. Successful candidates will work independently, but within a larger team of field technicians, gaining hands on field experience collecting scientific data used to assess the impacts of wind turbines on bats across Iowa.

Duties:

• Conduct field work while adhering to WEST and client field safety requirements.
• Conduct standardized fatality searches and follow electronic and paper data collection protocol.
• Collect data for standardized protocols to measure sources of bias in fatality surveys.
• Potential opportunities to conduct additional biological surveys.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree preferred; undergraduates or other enthusiastic workers are encouraged to apply
• Candidates with field experience at regional wind projects will be given preference
• Experience with macro-photography, tablet data collection, GPS units, compass, and other field equipment is preferred
• Experience using field guides/keys for identification is preferred, especially for bird and bat identification within the Central Flyway
• Candidates must be organized, and able to collect and manage electronic data, including implementing quality control measures
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients, and landowners
• Job requires the person filling this position to be able to appear for work on time; start times can often be as early as sunrise
• Off-road driver training will be provided which will include a driving assessment
• Applicants must be in good physical condition, as surveys will require walking for entire shifts in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme as well as safely opening and closing gates weighing 50+ pounds.
• Must be equipped with and provide own suitable safety toed footwear (steel- or composite-toe), binoculars, clothing, water bottles, etc.

Start/End Dates: June 24, 2024-October 31,2024

Salary/Pay: $17.75-$20/hour

Application Deadline: Rolling Deadline

How to Apply: Please use the online application to view the full job description as well as how to apply.