Ecological Field Technician

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc.; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. is seeking an Ecological Field Technician for a remote-friendly Calgary role. The position combines field surveys with data reporting, requiring GIS and office support across multiple project sites in Canada and beyond.

The role includes long field days, travel between sites, and the ability to work independently within WEST’s safety protocols. A biology or environmental science background is preferred, with proficiency in ArcGIS/QGIS and MS Excel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological or environmental sciences or related discipline.
• Experience with field surveys and data collection is preferred.
• Ability to work in remote or challenging field conditions and travel between sites.

Responsibilities

• Assist with wetland and watercourse field surveys and desktop assessments.
• Assist with soil and vegetation surveys.
• Assist with wildlife surveys (e.g., amphibian surveys).
• Assist in reporting and plan development (C&Rs, EPPs, PDSAs).
• Data recording, QA/QC, and GIS mapping support.

Skills

Fieldwork

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

MS Excel

Fulcrum / Field Maps / Survey123

Job description

Job Title

Ecological Field Technician

$21.63 - $27.88

Job Classification

Hourly

Job Type

Temporary

# of Hires Needed

1

Job Description

Western EcoSystems Technology (WEST), founded in 1990, has grown to be one of the premier environmental and statistical consulting firms in the United States. In 2017, WEST expanded into Canada by opening an office in Calgary, AB, with staff now in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick. In our continued drive to provide outstanding professional consulting services and original solutions to a wide range of natural resource problems, we are looking for an energetic and experiencedEcological Field Technicianto join our team.

Number of positions available

1

Positions Type

Temporary/Full Time

Location: Calgary, AB, remote in Alberta

Job Description

Primary duties may include:

• Assist with wetland and watercourse field surveys and desktop assessments.
• Assist with soil and vegetation field surveys.
• Assist with wildlife field surveys (e.g., amphibian surveys).
• Assist in reporting (including, but not limited to: Wetland Assessment Impact Reports, Conservation & Reclamation Plans (C&Rs), Mitigation Plans, Environmental Protection Plans (EPPs), PDSAs and Site Restoration, and Soil Management Plans).
• Assisting with completion of data recording, quality control, and GIS mapping.
• Promote WEST’s core values of quality client service and a collaborative team approach while maintaining a positive and respectful work atmosphere.

This position consists of approximately 10% office-based work and 90% field-based work (fieldwork occurring year-round), and travel between the field and the Calgary office. Fieldwork will require long days (8-12 hours), in a range of temperature extremes and wind speeds. Candidates must be comfortable with hazards typical of rural environments (e.g., driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, dust, mud, snow, extreme heat, cold, working around cattle). Candidates must promote WEST’s core values of quality client service and a collaborative team approach while maintaining a positive and respectful work atmosphere. Fieldwork can also occur in remote locations, which will require candidates to be comfortable and able to work and operate vehicles in rugged, steep terrain within areas with large carnivores. The position may require international field work; the candidate must be comfortable and willing to work internationally. Lastly, fieldwork can occur in areas with little to no cellphone signal. Candidates must be comfortable using satellite and radio devices for regular communication.

Staff may work independently or in small crews and must be able to communicate and coordinate effectively with site management and WEST supervisors.

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 Requirements

Work Location Requirements

This position will involve work in both Canada and the United States. The successful candidate is expected to perform approximately 85% of their work in Canada and 15% in the United States, although actual percentages may vary based on business needs and project requirements. Candidates must be legally authorized to work and travel in both countries as required. This role may require compliance with applicable immigration, tax, payroll, and employment regulations in each jurisdiction.

Employment is contingent upon the employee maintaining all necessary work authorization, social security number (SSN), travel documentation, and eligibility requirements needed to perform work assignments in both Canada and the United States.

Job Requirements

• Legally allowed to work in Canada (i.e., Canadian citizen, Canadian permanent resident, or have an existing VISA with no work restrictions) Please note: US citizens require a Canadian work visa to work in Canada.
• A valid passport and ability to obtain a TN Visa in the USA.
• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, environmental sciences, or a related discipline.
• Possession of a valid driver’s licence with no restrictions.
• Able to obtain a driver’s abstract that meets WEST’s minimum criteria to operate a motor vehicle on behalf of the company.
• Ability to rent a vehicle from a rental agency (e.g., Enterprise).
• Competence in Microsoft Office (advanced knowledge of Word and Excel), ArcGIS/QGIS
• Ability to work long days (up to 12 hours) in the field and sometimes long shifts (up to 24 days) and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to hike in rugged, steep terrain for extended periods of time.
• Capacity to work independently and interact positively with project managers, supervisors, clients, field partners, and landowners.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work well under time constraintsand meet deliverable targets and deadlines.
• High level of initiative and ability to think critically to solve challenging problems.
• Highly developed ability to follow protocols and work efficiently in the field and office.
• Capable of adhering to all health and safety requirements outlined by WEST and our clients, for the duration of their employment.

Desired Skills

• A completed diploma or bachelor’s degree or higher in biological sciences, environmental sciences, or a related discipline and at least 1 year of relevant experience in wetlands, soil or vegetation
• In the process of attaining a professional designation applicable for conducting professional sign off in Alberta or eligible for registration (e.g., P.Ag or P.Biol.).
• Experience conducting wetland and watercourse field surveys
• Experience with identifying vegetation or conducting vegetation surveys
• Experience conducting soil assessments or surveys
• Experience with wildlife surveys
• Experience with construction or environmental monitoring.
• Experience using GIS software (e.g., QGIS or ArcGIS).
• Previous experience using tablet data collection systems and apps ( e.g., Fulcrum, Field Maps, and/or Survey123).

Successful candidates must be able to provide a driver’s abstract that meets WEST’s minimum criteria to operate a motor vehicle on behalf of the company. Successful candidates must also be able to pass a drug and alcohol test that meets the minimum criteria of WEST and our clients. Candidates must be capable of adhering to all health and safety requirements, outlined by WEST and our clients, for the duration of their employment.

WEST provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, mental or physical disability, marital status, family status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law.