Associate Biologist-Field Coordinator - (1152)
Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium-size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for a regular, full-time Associate Biologist – Field Coordinator to manage work in the Southern Great Plains Region, ideally located in the Houston/Sugar Land area, Texas or Stillwater, OK. Since 1990, WEST has grown to be one of the premier environmental and statistical consulting firms in the United States, fulfilling our mission of bringing common sense, professional, and scientifically defensible solutions to natural resource problems, while maintaining our reputation of objectivity and excellence in our consulting services.
WEST has numerous projects underway and continues to grow and expand into both the wind and solar market, as well as other markets. Help WEST achieve our mission by joining our collaborative team 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
The minimum base salary for the associate position is $50,000 DOE, plus annual bonus. Salary may vary based on education, knowledge and experience.
Job Description
Responsibilities of this position include work-planning, field staff management, financial and technical reporting, conducting wildlife monitoring, staff capacity building, and logistics. This position requires approximately 70% office work and 30% fieldwork. WEST associate biologists work individually, as well as part of a team to:
- Coordinate and conduct field work for both Pre-construction and Post-construction studies for the renewable energy industry,
- Assist in the day to day administration of projects,
- Understand the needs of fieldwork and effectively train field staff on relevant data collection, health and safety procedures, and administrative protocols,
- Organize and review field data, including close coordination with project managers, field staff, data and quality assurance staff, and statisticians,
- Track fieldwork progress for multiple projects, and support project managers with survey kickoff, implementation, and decommissioning, as well as with supervision of field staff,
- Draft technical memos and reports, and other project support materials as needed.
Successful candidate must be equipped with and provide own suitable footwear (rugged hiking boots, etc.), clothing, and binoculars. Start dates are flexible, within reason, but may start as early as April 1, 2023.
This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of all the duties which may be associated with this position.
Qualifications and Experience:
The successful candidate will be a self-motivated individual who is able to pay close attention to detail and possess:
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in biological studies, natural resources, wildlife management, wildlife biology, rangeland sciences, or equivalent. Preference will be given to candidates with at least two years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree.
- Previous experience on biological field studies and/or prior field experience surveys. Avian and/or bat ecology are the primary areas of technical expertise sought, but other areas of expertise, including knowledge of GIS, pollinators, and rangelands, will also be considered.
- Strong leadership and decision-making skills with proven experience supervising and remotely managing staff.
- Proven interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to pay close attention to detail and to accurately report the scientific methods and results of field studies.
- Strong time management, planning, and organizational skills with the ability to work well under time constraints and meet deliverable targets and deadlines.
- A track record of maintaining positive and respectful relationships with coworkers, clients, and stakeholders.
- Ability to follow instructions from managers and accept guidance and constructive criticism.
- Ability and willingness to conduct fieldwork under extreme weather conditions.
- Ability to travel while maintaining supervisory responsibilities.
- Ability to effectively train, lead and supervise field personnel, with a focus on developing a strong safety culture, open communication, and excellence in protocol implementation.
- Demonstrable ability to coordinate logistics for multiple projects, including vendor outreach, field staff coordination, and task scheduling.
- Experience in use and maintenance of field equipment, as well as use of topographic maps, compass, and GPS units.
- Experience and/or an ability and willingness to complete aerial surveys preferred.
- Experience in bird and/or bat identification in the Midwest Region preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Applicants must be in good physical shape, as surveys and trainings can require long hours in locations where temperatures and conditions may be extreme.
- Applicants must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment, including but not limited to sharp vegetation, four-wheel drive vehicle and ATV operation, dust, extreme heat and cold, and wildlife encounters.
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.