Field Crew Lead - (1636) - Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc.

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium-size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for one (1) temporary, full-time Field Crew Lead near Waterville, New York to conduct evening surveys for northern harriers and short-eared owls, as well as other bird species such as northern shrikes, horned larks, snow buntings, American pipits, eagles and other raptors. 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! Key Details:Start Date: Week of November 15, 2024End Date: March 30, 2025 (With a likely extension until April 15, 2025)Compensation: $27.25 - $30.00/hour, DOESchedule: Approximately 5 field days per week; 25 - 40 hours per week during survey period.Additional Details: Technicians will use their own reliable transportation to and from the project site and will be reimbursed mileage at the current standard federal rate. A housing reimbursement and/or field housing may be available to qualified non-local applicants. Job Summary:The successful candidate for this position will be able to lead and conduct avian point-count, behavior, and flight path surveys along various “grassland” sites within a variety of landscapes ranging from agriculture and grassland to rugged forested slopes, which may require hiking considerable distances, often on steep terrain. Surveys will start one hour before sunset and continue until at least one hour after sunset. Surveys will require thorough data collection while identifying avian species by sight and sound. The schedule is anticipated to consist of 5 field days per week at 3-6 hours per day, however frequent scheduling changes due to weather are expected. Time-and-a-half compensation will be provided for overtime hours worked over 40 in each week. The position will require working independently in potentially extreme weather such as (but not limited to), cold, rain, wind, and snow. Responsibilities include:Perform fixed-point avian/raptor surveys in rural and/or remote areas of New York in sometimes inclement weather.Accurately identify eastern bird species by sight and sound, interpret bird behavior and activity, and map applicable flight paths.Precise and thorough data collection on standardized paper datasheets while maintaining focus on concurrent avian observations.Use of common field tools such as hand-held GPS units and cellular mapping applications.Use of cellular and desktop applications such as Microsoft to distribute and track survey schedule and status.Regularly and effectively communicate with WEST supervisors and field crews to successfully coordinate the field logistics of a large crew of avian technicians and ensure that surveys are completed on time.Regularly collect datasheets from field personnel and ensure that all data collected is complete and accurate by reviewing start/end times, species information, flight maps, and other pertinent information.Ensure that all data collected by field crew is uploaded to the project server in a timely matter and that collected datasheets are kept neat and organized.Maintaining professional communication with client personnel, landowners, and members of the public who may be encountered while on the job.Safely traverse rugged project areas and follow all WEST and client safety protocols. This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of all the duties that may be associated with this position.Job RequirementsRequirements:Bachelor’s Degree in natural resources, wildlife management, wildlife biology or equivalent field preferred; however, undergraduates and enthusiastic workers are encouraged to apply.Proficient in identification of in-flight and perched raptors and other eastern bird species; candidates experienced in eastern bird and raptor identification and recording behavioral observations will be given preference.Skill in judging distances to birds in flight.Skill in use of topographic maps, GPS units, and other field equipment is required.Must be able to work independently and communicate effectively with other field technicians, project managers, clients, and landowners.Must be able to stand and focus for long observation periods from a fixed position.Must be equipped with and provide own suitable footwear (boots), binoculars, and proper clothing for extreme weather conditions, however, WEST will provide all personal protective equipment that may be required (e.g., safety vest).The job will require the person filling this position to be able to appear for work on time; maintain scheduling flexibility due to weather events; follow instructions from supervisors; show a positive attitude; and maintain strong organizational skills.Precise and thorough data collection will be essential.Technicians will be required to follow all safety protocols for WEST and clients when on site. 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.
Minimum Salary: 27.25
Maximum Salary: 30.00
Salary Unit: Hourly