Description

Western 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 hourly
Housing: TBD
Start Date: 02/23/2026
End Date:09/05/2026
Location: Corvallis, OR
Additional 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 protocols
Maintain 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.

Requirements

Requirements:

Bachelor’s 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 driver's 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, 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.