Detection Dog Coordinator & Handler – (1652)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for an individual experienced with both scent detection and wildlife study design to help grow our detection dog program. This position will preferably be based in the midwestern U.S., but we will consider someone working remotely with the ability to temporarily relocate to a Midwestern state annually between approximately May 1 – August 15.

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: $52,000 – $70,000, (Base salary will be based upon education, professional certifications, and previous work experience), plus an annual bonus.
• Start Date: Start date is flexible
• Application Deadline: November 8, 2024
• Other Details: This position will require some overnight travel; housing or rent reimbursement provided for qualifying applicants.

WEST’s detection dog program continues to grow, and this is an exciting opportunity to join a seasonal team of 25+ detection dogs and their owner/handlers. Detection dog teams contribute to important wildlife monitoring and research through their work on many projects across the country. The successful candidate will primarily work to ensure fatality monitoring projects in Midwestern states are staffed with qualified detection dog-handler teams trained to WEST’s standards by assisting with recruiting, hiring, evaluations, training, and site visits for regional renewable energy projects (primarily late spring through fall), Because detection dog work is seasonal, non-detection dog work in the off-season will be required. Other duties may include non-detection dog field work, assisting with reports, managing field projects and field staff, data management, field surveys, and research as needed. The ideal candidate will have experience and expertise in conducting wildlife surveys (preferably with a detection dog), training multiple dogs to find a target odor, and guiding others in training their dogs. This position also requires ownership of a suitable candidate detection dog, and the ability to successfully complete WEST’s scent training protocol to complete post-construction bat and bird surveys at energy projects.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist with the recruitment, hiring, training, and evaluation of detection dog handler teams primarily for post-construction fatality monitoring surveys at renewable energy projects
• Coordinate field deployment logistics for detection dog handler teams
• Ability to travel and conduct site visits and fatality monitoring surveys at wind projects using their own suitable candidate dog as needed
• Promote safe work practices for dog-handler teams
• Assist with management of field technicians on non-detection dog projects as needed
• Conduct non-detection dog field surveys for birds, bats, or other species as needed, depending on skillset
• Assist with accurate data collection, management and report preparation as needed
• Promote WEST’s research through assisting in the development of surveys suitable for detection dog teams, participate in related workshops and conferences, and support business development activities

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of the duties which may be associated with this position.

Requirements:

The successful candidate must be a self-starter who possesses or can obtain:

• Ownership of a working dog with previous detection experience, or ownership of a dog suitable for training for scent work.
• Successful completion of WEST’s scent detection training protocol.
• Prior experience training and handling detection dogs (2+ years), preferably for wildlife surveys.
• Demonstrable knowledge of dog behavior, reward-based training and communication.
• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to work effectively both independently and in a team-based environment.
• Previous experience coordinating and providing leadership to small groups.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills including attention to detail, multi-tasking abilities and the ability to work well under time constraints.
• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology or related field preferred; an equivalent degree combined with significant detection dog experience (3+ years) can be substituted.

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.