Detection Dog Handlers

at Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. in Urbana, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Job Title
Detection Dog Handlers

Salary
$23.00-$27.00

Job Classification
Hourly

Location
Champaign, IL 61820 US (Primary)
Urbana, IL 61801 US

Job Type
Temporary

# of Hires Needed
4

Job Description

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) is a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada. We are looking for temporary full-time Detection Dog Handlers  to train and work with their own suitable dog(s) to monitor the impact of wind turbines on wildlife. Experienced field technicians with a dog(s) appropriate for scent detection training as well as those with an appropriate dog(s) and experience training for or participating in nose work, hunting or field trials are encouraged to apply.

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:  $23-27/hour, DOE
Dog Compensation:  $30/day of field work
Housing:  Housing provided or rent reimbursement for qualifying applicants
Start Date: 08/01/2024
Duration:  10/15/24
Location:  Champaign-Urbana, IL area
Number of positions available: 4
Additional Details:  Vehicle mileage will be reimbursed (for use of personal vehicle) or a rental may be provided. Field safety equipment for both the handler and dog will be provided by WEST; handlers must be equipped with their own suitable footwear (rugged, safety toe hiking boots) and field-appropriate clothing. Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies.

Job Summary:
Does your high-drive dog need a job? Are you interested in strengthening your bond with your dog while you train and work together to help with important wildlife research and conservation? This is an exciting opportunity to join WEST's detection dog team and get started in conservation detection dog work. The successful candidate for this position will:
Survey areas beneath wind turbines for bat and bird carcasses with your dog(s) that have been trained and evaluated per WEST standards prior to employment
Provide routine care and sound risk management for your dog while working, such as following a vaccination protocol, properly using equipment, and administering basic first aid under field conditions
Collect data on bat and bird carcasses, per established protocols
Enter data into a tablet or spreadsheet, routinely check for accuracy, and submit to project staff in a timely manner
Participate in trials to measure sources of bias in estimating fatalities
Conduct ongoing training with your dog(s) to ensure effective detection of bat and bird carcasses
Willingness to work a flexible schedule that may vary in hours each week, depending on the season and project needs
Communicate regularly with field coordinators on environmental conditions, safety items, data collection, and detection dog training
Weekly timesheet and expense report completion
There may be opportunities to conduct additional biological surveys, depending on the candidate's experience and project needs

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.

Job Requirements

Job Requirements
Ownership of a suitable candidate dog (see Minimum Dog Suitability Requirements below) and successful completion of WEST's Scent Training Program for Wildlife Detection Dogs  prior to the extension of a formal offer of employment (WEST provides a scent training protocol and training guidance)
Successful completion of odor recognition testing and in-person, double-blind scent detection evaluation trials
Demonstrable knowledge of dog behavior and rewards-based training; knowledge of both learning theory and scent theory is preferred
Ability to work independently as well as communicate and coordinateeffectively and professionally with crew members, site management, WEST project coordinators, and landowners
Must demonstrate safe handling,... For full info follow application link.

WEST is proud to provide 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.