Associate Biologist - Field Coordinator - (1675)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium-size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for a full-time experienced individual to join the WEST Team as an Associate Biologist – Field Coordinator in Bismarck, North Dakota.

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 key values and core 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!

Key Details:

• Compensation: $52,000 - $70,000
• Start Date:  late February/early March 2025
• Application Deadline: January 13, 2025
• Location: Bismarck, North Dakota

Job Summary

WEST has numerous projects underway and is continuing to grow and expand into the wind and solar markets and in other markets as well. WEST is seeking self-motivated candidate(s) who possess the following:

• Skills and experience in biological studies such as bird identification, bat identification (acoustics or mist-netting), pollinators, other species-specific surveys, wetland delineation, and/or habitat assessment
• Ability to efficiently coordinate with multiple staff across WEST on different projects, and effectively train, lead, and supervise field personnel
• Candidate(s) must be comfortable and willing to work in a wide range of weather conditions and terrains and have a passion for the outdoors
• Experience in technical writing (biological and/or regulatory) and managing task work for multiple projects
• This position requires approximately 70% office work and 30% fieldwork

Job Responsibilities

Our Associate Biologists-Field Coordinators work individually, as well as with a team of natural resource specialists, scientists, and biometricians to:

• Coordinate field-related work for Pre-construction, Construction, and Post-construction studies for the renewable energy industry
• Conduct field-related work as needed and as experience allows, potentially including avian use surveys (i.e., avian point count surveys), raptor nest surveys, bat acoustic monitoring set up and maintenance, wetland delineations, grassland or other habitat assessments, post-construction monitoring surveys, and/or species-specific surveys
• Train field staff on data collection protocols, 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 to ensure quality data collection
• Track fieldwork progress for multiple projects, and support project managers with survey kickoff, implementation, and project wrap-up, as well as with supervision of field staff
• Draft technical memos and reports (biological and/or regulatory) and other project support materials as needed

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.

Job Qualifications

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 pollinators, wetlands, rangelands, and GIS will also be considered. Bird and/or bat and/or vegetation identification in the Midwest Region preferred
• Strong decision-making skills with proven experience supervising and remotely managing staff
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral, and task management/coordination skills
• Excellent time management, planning, and organizational skills with the ability to work well under time constraints and meet deliverable targets and deadlines
• Demonstrated 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 to effectively train, lead and supervise field personnel, with a focus on developing a strong safety culture, open communication, and excellence in protocol implementation
• Ability to coordinate logistics and priorities for multiple projects, technician coordination, communication with multiple internal project teams, and task scheduling
• Ability and willingness to travel for local and regional work for up to one week at a time
• Experience in technical writing (biological and/or regulatory) and other project support materials as needed
• Experience and/or an ability and willingness to conduct aerial surveys from a fixed wing or helicopter

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.