Drone Assistant

Job Title:

Drone Assistant

Salary: $21.00 - 24.25 per hour, DOE

Job Classification:
Hourly

Location:

IA US (Primary), IL US, NE US

Job Type: Temporary

# of Hires Needed: 4

Western Eco Systems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States, is looking for temporary, full-time Drone Assistants in Iowa.

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  to see what benefits WEST offers!

• Compensation: $21.00 - 24.25 per hour, depending on experience
• Housing: Provided
• Other: Meal per diem may be provided
• Start date: July 25, 2026
• End date: September 5, 2026 (approximate)
• Location: Multiple counties throughout Iowa. Depending on assignment, there may be some survey work at one site in north‑eastern Nebraska and at two sites in northwestern Illinois.
• Additional details: Field equipment will be provided by WEST. Field assistants must be equipped with suitable footwear (rugged hiking boots) and appropriate clothing suitable to adverse weather conditions.

• Assist drone pilot with bat research that involves drone flights along pre‑planned 0.5 km flight transects.
• Recording data, start and stop times of a drone survey, using an anemometer to record wind speed, helping illuminate power lines with a flashlight during takeoff/landing.
• This position includes conducting field work in remote locations; cell service may be limited.
• This position may require working days of up to 8 hours, 5 days per week; work schedule can vary depending on weather conditions.
• Night‑time work will be required.
• Field conditions will include a range of extreme high and low temperatures.
• Candidates must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, rain, extreme heat and cold, insects and other wild animals, etc.).

• Candidates should be able to record data from required field equipment (e.g., anemometer).
• Candidates must be in good physical condition, as field work may include carrying of field equipment and will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme.
• Candidates should be able to interact positively and professionally with project manager, drone pilot, field lead, landowners, and other technicians.
• Candidates must be able to appear for work on time, maintain focus for long periods of time, follow instructions from the supervisors, maintain a positive attitude, and accept guidance and constructive criticism.

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.

Bachelor's Degree