Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for 33 temporary, full-time Biological Field Technicians to help investigate the impact of wind turbines on bats and birds at operational wind facilities throughout Iowa, starting end of June 2026 through October 31, 2026.
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.
Key Details:
- Compensation: $17.50– $20/ hour, DOE
- Completion Bonus: up to $500 will be provided upon completion of the Project while in good standing.
- Housing: Shared housing provided or rent reimbursement may be provided to qualifying applicants.
- Start Date: June 8, 2026 admin start date, June 23 field start date
- End Date: October 31, 2026
- Location: Various counties (e.g., Adair, Cass, Chickasaw, Calhoun, Floyd, Greene, Ida, Marshall, O’Brien, Pocahontas, Poweshiek, Sac, Taylor, Webster), Iowa
Job Summary:
Biological field technicians will conduct standardized searches beneath wind turbines to locate and document bird and bat fatalities. An average work week may include 30-40 hours for full-time temporary employees, though there may be weeks requiring shorter or longer hours.
- Successful candidates must be able to follow field and data collection protocols
- Work well both independently and as part of a larger team
- Communicate effectively with all team members including Field Supervisors and Field Coordinators
- Ability to live and work in a rural setting
- Knowledge of Midwest bird and bat species is a plus, and training will be provided on bird/bat identification and field data collection
- Successful candidates will conduct surveys independently, but within a larger team of field technicians
Travel between sites will be required; personal vehicle use will be reimbursed for mileage or a 4×4 rental vehicle will be provided. This position is an excellent way to gain hands-on field experience collecting scientific data that will be used to assess the impacts of wind turbines on avian species across Iowa. Apply now to join our team of nationally recognized avian and bat biologists as a biological field technician!
Responsibilities include:
- Conduct field work while adhering to WEST standards and client field safety requirements.
- Conduct standardized fatality searches and follow electronic and paper data collection protocols.
- Collect data to measure potential sources of bias in fatality surveys.
- Potential opportunities to conduct additional biological surveys.
Requirements/Skill preference:
- 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
Physical Requirements:
- Applicants must be in good physical condition, as surveys will require walking 7-10 miles a day in locations where temperatures and conditions can be challenging
- Applicants must be able to safely open and close gates weighing 40+ pounds
- Must be equipped with and provide own suitable safety-toed footwear (steel- or composite-toe), binoculars, clothing, water bottles, etc.