Associate Biologist-Field Coordinator - (1343)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) is a dynamic medium-size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada. We are looking for a Full-time Associate Biologist – Field Coordinator to join our Bismarck, North Dakota, team.

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!

The minimum base salary for the Associate position is $50,000, plus an annual bonus. Salary may vary based on education, knowledge and experience.

Start dates are flexible and negotiable for the right candidate, within reason, but may start as early as November 5, 2023.

Job Description

WEST has numerous projects underway and continues to grow and expand into both the wind and solar market, and other markets. WEST associate biologists work individually, as well as with a team of natural resource specialists, scientists and biometricians to:

• Coordinate and conduct field work for both pre-construction and post-construction studies for the renewable energy industry by supporting project managers with survey kickoff, implementation, and decommissioning.
• Understand the needs of fieldwork and effectively train field staff on data collection, health and safety procedures, and administrative protocols.
• Work-planning, field staff management, financial and technical reporting, conducting wildlife monitoring, staff capacity building, and logistics.
• Assist in the day-to-day administration of projects, tracking fieldwork progress for multiple projects, and assisting project managers with supervision of field staff.
• Organize and review field data, including close coordination with other field coordinators, project managers, field staff, GIS staff, data and quality assurance staff, and statisticians.
• Draft technical memos and reports, and other project support materials as needed.
• This position is office-based, with opportunities to conduct in-field training and some field work.

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of the duties that may be associated with this position.

Qualifications and Preferred Skills/Abilities

The successful candidate joining WEST as a full-time regular Associate Biologist 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 coordinating 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.
• 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.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills with proven experience supervising and remotely managing staff.
• Ability to work within a collaborative, respectful team atmosphere and interact professionally with supervisors, project managers, office staff, clients, landowners, and field staff.
• Growth mindset, with an ability to follow instructions from managers and accept guidance and constructive criticism.
• 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.
• Demonstrable ability to coordinate logistics for multiple projects, including vendor outreach, field staff coordination, and task scheduling.
• Strong time management, planning, and organizational skills with the ability to work well under time constraints and meet deliverable targets and deadlines.
• Possess a passion for the outdoors and willingness to work in various (sometimes extreme) weather conditions and terrains.
• Ability to travel extensively (up to 75%) during certain seasons for several weeks at a time, while maintaining supervisory responsibilities.
• 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 Upper Great Plains or Midwest Region preferred.
• Successful candidates must be equipped with and provide their own suitable footwear (rugged hiking boots, etc.), clothing, and binoculars.

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical shape, as surveys and training can require long hours in locations where temperatures and conditions may be extreme.
• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs.
• 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.