Spotted Owl Technician at Western EcoSystems Technology

DescriptionWestern EcoSystems Technology Inc. (WEST) a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada is looking for temporary full -time Biological Field Technicians in Oregon. 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: Compensation: $23.00 - $27.00 hourlyHousing: TBDStart Date: 02/23/2026End Date:09/05/2026Location: Corvallis ORAdditional Details: 4 nights 40 hours per week. Optional overtime will be available.Job Summary:The successful candidate will be:Independently conduct nighttime surveys (e.g. sunset to sunrise) to detect northern spotted owls by sight and sound from stations located along logging roads and trails on private timber land. Use maps compass and mapping apps (e.g. Avenza Gaia Field maps) to navigate designated survey stations via hiking in steep terrain and dense vegetation or 4wd vehicles.Differentiate Pacific Northwest owl species by sight and sound and collect and record detailed information on owl detections.Adhere to detailed field protocols to operate safely in potentially hazardous circumstances and areas (e.g. logging areas rough unimproved roads inclement weather potential wildlife encounters).Communicate frequently with the field supervisor.The ideal candidate will be experienced in spotted owl surveys and/or other environmental surveys conducted overnight.The ideal candidate will be willing to learn new technology and to detect a wide range of sounds. Responsibilities include: Hike and drive on forest roads at night to access survey stations.Conduct electronic broadcast and callback surveys for northern spotted owls and accurately record and map any owl species heard or seen.Take detailed field notes and accurately map owl locations.Recognize signs of owl nesting behavior (e.g. whitewash pellets fledglings present molted feathers). Conduct daytime surveys as needed to follow up on any nighttime detections of spotted owls including daytime visits to historic nest or roost locations as needed.Independently maintain a schedule ensuring surveys are completed within designated timeframes. Conduct road clearing and lite trail maintenance using basic tools (e.g. handsaw garden clippers tow straps).Willingness to work nights alone and follow fire season safety protocolsMaintain field equipment and complete basic vehicle maintenance.Program deploy service and manage data resulting from audio recording units (ARUs).May use Kalediscope to filter and review owl calls. This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of all the duties which may be associated with this position. RequirementsRequirements: Bachelors Degree in Natural Resources Wildlife Management Wildlife Biology or an equivalent degree preferred.A minimum of one year field experience is required; candidates with prior experience with spotted owl surveys and/or environmental consulting will be given preference.Must be able to identify spotted owls by sight and sound and differentiate barred owls from spotted owls visually and auditorily.Experience with or sufficient demonstrable understanding of navigation techniques including topographic maps compass and electronic navigational systems is required.Must monitor weather forecasts and make practical decisions for safe field work. Must be able to adhere to all WEST safety protocols including strict check in/out requirements and carrying a SPOT device. Must be able to work independently and often alone; possess a high degree of self-motivation attention to detail problem-solving skills and willingness to learn and ask questions are essential.Valid drivers license.Physical Requirements:Candidates must be able to walk long distances at night along closed roads or marked trails in often steep brushy terrain.Must be comfortable working in areas with the possibility of encountering wildlife (possibly dangerous) and various plants (i.e. poison oak).Candidates must have keen hearing capabilities to identify owls by sound at long distances as well as faint sounds and sounds in static.Candidates must be able to confidently safely and efficiently navigate infrequently maintained logging roads with a 4WD vehicle or ATV in areas with little or no cell phone reception.After an offer of employment is made thecandidatemust successfully pass a pre-employmentbackground checkdrug screeningand a DMV records check that meets WESTs minimum criteria to operate a motor vehicle on behalf of the company. A valid drivers 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 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. Required Experience:IC Key Skills Aeronautical,Healthcare Attorney,Fitness,General Services,Account Management,Export Documentation Employment Type : Hourly Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Hourly Salary Salary: 23 - 27