Wildlife Field Biologist

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc.; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

WesternEcoSystemsTechnology, Inc. (WEST) seeks a Wildlife Field Biologist for its 2026 field season. This temporary full‑time role involves 95% fieldwork with travel between the Calgary office and remote field sites in Canada.

Start tentative Q3 2026, with a pay rate of $25–$35/hour based on experience. Responsibilities include standardized avian and other wildlife surveys, raptor nest monitoring, data QA/QC, and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in ecology, zoology, environmental science or management.
• Ability to conduct avian/bat surveys in boreal/parkland habitats.
• Willingness to travel and work long field days and remote locations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct standardized bird migration, nesting and other avian surveys.
• Monitor raptor nests and conduct construction monitoring.
• Carry out amphibian, reptile and mammal surveys as needed.
• Enter data, QA/QC and manage field data.
• Prepare tables/figures and assist with reports.

Skills

Bird identification

Field data management

Time management

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in ecology/zoology/environmental science/management

Tools

Field Maps

Survey123

Job description

Wildlife Field Biologist

25.00 - 35.00

Job Classification

Hourly

Job Type

Temporary

# of Hires Needed

2

Job Description

WesternEcoSystemsTechnology, Inc. (WEST) is a dynamic medium-size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada.We are looking foranenergetic and experiencedWildlifeFieldBiologisttohelp with our 2026 field season.

WEST is driven by its principles and core values – providing scientifically defensible solutions, technicalexpertise, quality client service, satisfying careers, collaborative team approach, respectful atmosphere, and continual improvement. For over three decades, our employees have exemplified these principles and helped shape the foundation of what we do, who we are, and what we believe in. WEST employees are both collaborative and independent thinkers and doers that help develop solutions to natural resource and environmental problems, and those solutions have a real impact in the world around us. We invite you to be part of the solution.

Number of positions available:2

Job Type:Temporary Full Time

Tentative Start Date:Q3 2026, or as needed

Pay Rate:$25-$35/hour, based on experience

• Standardized bird migration, breeding bird, sharp-tailed grouse lek, burrowing owl, or other avian use surveys;
• Raptor nest monitoring;
• Construction monitoring;
• Amphibian, reptile, and mammal surveys;
• Species-specific surveys for Species of Management Concern (SOMC);
• Bat acoustic detector and/or thermal camera setup and maintenance;
• Pre-disturbance nest surveys;
• Other ecological surveys (e.g., wetland, soil, and vegetation assessments);
• Field data QAQC, processing, and demobilization;
• Data entry and management;
• Weekly timesheet and expense report completion;
• Bird and bat fatality monitoring at operating renewable energy facilities (post-construction monitoring);
• Carcass handling and management in support of post-construction monitoring programs;
• Support reporting as needed: compilingtables and figures, report writing; and
• Office-based administrativeassistance, as needed.

This position consists of95%fieldwork, and travel between the field and the Calgary office. Fieldwork will require long days (up to 12 hours) with overnight stays in remote locations, sometimes for extended periods of time (up to 3-4 weeks).

Fieldwork will require candidates to:

• Demonstrate strong bird identification skills in boreal, parkland, and prairie habitats;
• Start survey work early in the morning (e.g., 3 AM), or late at night (e.g., 10 PM), as needed;
• Work through weekends and holidays, as needed;
• Work long shifts, up to 22consecutive days, as needed;
• Work overtime hours (i.e., more than 8 hours per day or44 hoursper week) whilst in the field, as needed;
• Work effectively either independently or in small crews;
• Demonstrate effective communication, organizational, and time management skills;
• Walk long distances (up to20 kmper day) in uneven or difficult terrain;
• Work in a range of environmental conditions (e.g., heat, cold, wind);
• Demonstrateproficiencyinoperatinga four-wheel drive vehicle in off-road conditions;
• Work around/in hazards typical of rural environments (e.g., livestock, dust, mud, snow, wind, extreme heat and cold);
• Work in rattlesnake, grizzly bear, black bear, cougar, and wolf habitat;
• Work in areas with little to no cellphone signal, andutilizesatellite and radio devices for regular communication as required by safety protocols;
• Demonstrate due care of field equipment, vehicles, and office equipment;
• Collect quality legible field data, and adhere to administrative processespertaining to fieldwork, safety, and HR;
• Work well under time constraintsand meet deliverable targets and deadlines; and
• Follow protocols and work efficiently

This is a general description of requirements for this position and may not be inclusive of all duties.

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;
• Completed and received a relevantBachelor’sdegree, orMaster’sdegreein ecology, zoology, environmental science or management, or other related discipline;
• Possession of a valid driver’slicencewith no restrictions;
• Able to rent a vehicle from a rental agency (e.g., Enterprise);
• Able to obtain a driver’s abstract that meets WEST’sminimumcriteria tooperatea motor vehicle on behalf of the company;
• Able to pass a drug and alcohol test that meets theminimumcriteria of WEST and our clients;
• High levelof initiative and ability to think critically to solve challenging problems;
• Capable of adhering to all health and safety requirements, outlined by WEST and our clients, for the duration of their employment; and
• Have durable steel-toed boots and hiking boots with a minimum 6-inch ankle (waterproof highly recommended), snake gaiters, andgood qualitybinoculars (8x42 or 10x42).These pieces of field equipment will not be reimbursed by WEST.

Desired Skills

• Experience conducting avian use point counts and other biological fieldwork;
• Ability toidentify>75% of bird species in western Canada by sound and >90% by sight;
• Previousexperience using tablet data collection systems and apps (ie., Field Maps, Survey123);
• Previousexperience leading field crews; and
• Previous experience completing theaforementioned surveytypes.

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.