Western EcoSystems Technology (WEST)

Congratulations to Travis Brown on earning his Certified Wildlife Biologist through The Wildlife Society! This achievement reflects his dedication, expertise, and passion for wildlife conservation. We are proud to have him on the WEST team and look forward to his continued impact in the field.?

Over the years and through our growth, suicide has touched WEST and our employees. Science-based estimates found a single suicide affects 30 to 135 people in some manner. Awareness of significant community and national issues is essential to managing WEST socially.?? At WEST we work hard to provide awareness and resources for how our business may contribute to factors that increase the risk for suicide and protect against it. Connectedness within the larger WEST community and recognizing how isolation in the field or work environment affects all of us are important considerations of WEST in developing employee benefits, career pathways, and our company organization. We work hard to provide a network of awareness and action to promote well-being, recognize warning signs, and provide resources for prevention and treatment.??

WEST values standing together in a team approach and in a respectful environment to continually improve. We recognize that many have been affected by drug addiction and overdose, be it through family or friends or personal challenges. WEST works hard at being a socially responsible corporation that is focused on employee wellbeing through our employee benefits, work environment, supporting healthy work-life balance, and mental health awareness and treatment. Please join us in recognizing Overdose Awareness Day August 31 and providing awareness and support to those in need.?

WEST Consulting Biologist Kristy Brightwell is a co-author on the recently published research article, "Dynamics of multilevel alliances in St. Johns River, Florida, Tamanend's bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops erebennus) with respect to an epizootic unusual mortality event," published in Marine Mammal Science. Disturbance events can affect social patterns and mating strategies in communities. The St. Johns River bottlenose dolphins were impacted by the 2013 – 2015 unusual mortality event (UME) caused by cetacean morbillivirus, which led to deaths and changes in the community’s social network. Between 2011 and 2017, researchers studied male dolphin alliances, noting that the UME disrupted many alliances. Males adapted by forming new alliances or remaining unallied. Despite demographic changes, female presence and breeding season continued to influence alliance behavior, with multilevel alliances providing support against rivals. These combined results show the reproductive benefit of alliances and the adaptability of male mating tactics. ? Check out the article here: https://lnkd.in/gJaFuszA

Join our team at WEST! We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Wetland Biologist?to join our team. This role is based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, or remotely. This is a great opportunity for an experienced professional to join a company of passionate, committed, and highly motivated individuals. Why WEST? - Be part of a dedicated team. - Engage in meaningful projects that impact clients, communities, and the environment. - Enjoy competitive salary and benefits. Discover more about this role and the benefits of working at WEST: https://lnkd.in/ga3Q6S4R

? Earlier this summer, American Clean Power Association (ACP), the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), and the Wildlife Action Coalition (EWAC) released its Communications Framework for Solar Energy Project Proponents and State Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Communications Framework). With its extensive network of natural resource consultants across the country, WEST is using its experience and many agency relationships to support its clients in efficiently implementing this Communications Framework. In this way, solar developers can pursue state-specific, practical, and flexible approaches to engaging state agencies—to ultimately support the build out of solar in a way that appropriately considers local and regional fish and wildlife concerns.???? ? Click the link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gMezd7Mr

The WEST team is all set to attend, present, and engage at the Ecological Society of America (ESA) conference in Long Beach, California, this week!?Stop by booth #231 to say hello to our team and learn about WEST’s career opportunities.? ?? Click the link for a sneak peek at what our team will be presenting:?https://lnkd.in/gDyU-qTS

WEST biologists Carly Kelly and Kyle Ebenhoch are excited to attend the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) Sage and Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Workshop in Wenatchee, Washington, this week.? ? Carly’s presentation, on August 8th, Greater Sage-grouse Occurrence at a Solar Energy Facility will delve into data collection results on greater sage-grouse occurrence at a solar energy facility in Wyoming. This project, funded by the Renewable Energy Wildlife Institute (REWI) Fund, provides insight into the interaction between sage-grouse populations and solar energy development—an occurrence that is likely to be more common due to future energy needs.? Results of this study will serve as a useful foundation for future long-term studies that explore the effects of solar energy development on sage-grouse populations and offer potential actions to minimize any observed negative effects.? ? WEST is eager to contribute to the dialogue on sage-grouse conservation and is looking forward to collaborating with experts in the field at this conference. We hope to see you there!

Please join us in celebrating Kristen Klaphake’s 10-year anniversary at WEST! Kristen says that her time at WEST has been filled with memorable experiences and personal growth. One of her favorite memories is the camaraderie in our small Laramie, Wyoming, office. Kristen is proud of her transition to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Quality Coordinator. She started as a part-time GIS Analyst and supported various projects. In her new role as GIS Quality Coordinator, she looks forward to cross-department collaboration. Kristen says that WEST has nurtured her technical skills and passion for environmental stewardship and teamwork. Read more about Kristen’s journey here: https://lnkd.in/gKMDsNE8

WEST is wrapping up at NYSERDA's State of the Science Meeting in Stony Brook, NY. Jennifer H. Stucker, Tracy Brunner, and Melinda Conners?have had a great week re-connecting with colleagues throughout the region to discuss wildlife and offshore wind.