Avian Use Technician – (1800)

Western EcoSystems Technology (WEST) is seeking a temporary, full-time Avian Use Technician in Crittenden County, AR. Responsibilities include conducting avian surveys for eagles and waterfowl, requiring fieldwork in rural settings. Candidates must have prior experience with avian surveys, be able to work independently and in teams, and be comfortable with various environmental conditions. The position involves physical demands and requires strong communication skills.
Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for a temporary, full-time, Avian Use Technician.

The primary responsibilities for this position are to conduct avian use surveys for eagles and waterfowl of the region. There is a possibility of helping with other projects in the region. Successful candidates must be able to work in a rural field setting, work well both independently and with others, and follow field and data entry protocols. Previous experience conducting avian surveys is required. Training will be provided. The average workweek will be approximately 20 hours, though there may be weeks requiring shorter or longer hours depending on seasonal objectives and project workloads.

Responsibilities include:
• Avian surveys for eagles.
• Breeding bird surveys.
• This job includes conducting field work in a remote location.
• Fieldwork will include travel on field roads into project area, field navigation, and observing and recording for avian activity (previous experience preferred).

Field conditions will include a range of extremely high and low temperatures and varying high wind speeds. Candidate must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, dust, extreme heat and cold). Job duties require bird identification and the use of a compass, GPS, paper and electronic map devices.

Requirements:
• Candidates must be capable of identifying birds, recording data correctly, following study and safety protocols, keeping on schedule, and trouble-shooting problems in the field.
• Previous experience conducting avian surveys is required.
• Candidates should be able to interact positively and professionally with project management team, landowners, and other technicians.
• Employee must be able to appear for work on time (surveys often begin as early as 30 minutes before sunrise), maintain focus for long periods of time, follow instructions from the team leader, maintain positive attitude, and accept guidance and constructive criticism.
• Consistent communication with the team is imperative.
• Environmental conditions include working in rain, wind, mud, and very cold or hot temperatures.
• Candidates may encounter snakes, insects, and other wildlife.
• Proficient use of topographic maps, compass, GPS units, and other field equipment required.
• Priority given to applicants with grassland bird ID experience.
• Applicants must be in good physical condition, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme.

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. Candidates must adhere to all health and safety requirements.

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.