Federally Permitted Bat Biologist

The Bat Ecologist will work as part of a multidisciplinary team. The ideal candidate will work independently, manage multiple tasks, and exhibit strong scientific writing skills. Requirements of this position include but are not limited to field work, data management, technical report writing and review, client management, and providing expert level consultation. The Bat Ecologist will be responsible for maintaining permits to conduct bat surveys and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. This role involves working closely with other ecologists, environmental scientists, and clients to ensure the protection and management of bat species, particularly in response to development and conservation projects. This role may also be asked to help or lead on other field efforts.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Client Consultation

• Advise clients on bat conservation considerations for site development.
• Provide guidance on state and federally protected bat species regulations including permitting, coordination, and mitigation.
• Assist clients with the permitting process related to bat conservation, including Section 10 permits.

Field Work and Surveys

• Conduct presence/absence surveys (as permitted) for bat species using methods such as mist-netting, acoustic monitoring, and other methods.
• Identify bat species in the field and in the lab using echolocation call analysis and morphological characteristics.
• Conduct roost surveys, emergence counts, and habitat assessments.
• Maintain equipment inventory and ensure proper storage and transportation.
• Assist with other natural resources project work, as needed.

Data Management and Reporting

• Tabulate and analyze collected field data using computer software
• Analyze acoustic data using bat call analysis software.
• Independently prepare technical reports and agency coordination documents.
• Submit project reports to various agencies and entities.
• Maintain clear communication with project managers, clients, and subcontractors.

Project Assistance

• Coordinate and manage bat-related projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Support client and agency needs throughout the project lifecycle.
• Apply for state or federal permits for T&E species within your expertise.
• Ensure all bat survey and monitoring activities comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including the Endangered Species Act.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and best practices in bat ecology and conservation.
• Communicate with field technicians, team and field crew leads, and project managers, providing updates on project progress and addressing technical questions related to bat field survey.
• Ensure that all fieldwork and project activities follow approved study plans and federal and state protocols.
• Work with clients to ensure project goals align with regulatory requirements and conservation objectives.
• Prepare and submit proposals.

Education & Outreach

• Conduct public education workshops, presentations, and training on bat conservation.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Lead teams of field technicians and interns during field surveys.
• Collaborate with other biologists, ecologists, and environmental scientists on interdisciplinary projects.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: B.S./B.A. degree in natural science field of study
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in bat ecology, including field survey techniques and data analysis.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience:

• Pre-exposure rabies vaccinations and recent titer check.
• Proficiency in field methods used to conduct bat presence/absence surveys.
• Proficiency in using acoustic monitoring equipment and software.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations related to bat conservation.
• Proficient in the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
• Strong technical writing skills for report preparation.
• Expertise in data analysis and technical report writing.
• Expertise in calculation and interpretation of biological indices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office computer programs (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Experience coordinating with state and federal agencies regarding threatened and endangered species

Desired Skills:

• Valid federal permit(s) for federal and state listed threatened and endangered bat species.
• Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) or other relevant professional certification.
• Familiarity with environmental permitting processes and regulatory compliance.
• Physical ability to work in outdoor field conditions, including steep uneven terrain and carrying equipment.
• Ability to lead field crews and multi-task regularly in a fast-paced, changing work environment
• Organizational skills to manage workload and the ability to assist with multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to address issues encountered in the field.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for coordinating with project team and supervisors, preparing reports, and interacting with clients.
• High attention to detail in data collection, analysis, and reporting to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in team environment
• Project and/or client management.

Work Environment

This candidate will need to collaborate effectively with team leads and other staff. This candidate needs to be able to complete project work independently, with minimal supervision. This position consists of field work and office work. On an annual basis, work duties could be up to 50% field efforts and 50% office. During the field season, approximately April/May through October, this position could expect to work up to 75-100% in the field. Field work assignments may include consecutive days working outdoors with a field crew in all types of weather conditions and sometimes in remote and challenging locations. A typical field workday consists of 8-12 hours which may include irregular hours and weekend work. Overnight travel and working for extended periods in different states is project specific but may be required. Office work assignments occur throughout the year and may include field preparation, data analysis, report writing, or equipment maintenance and typically consists of an 8-hour day.

This position is a remote role, meaning employees will work remotely. Standard office equipment will be provided to work in the office and at home - a dedicated space at home to work is also required. Uninterrupted home-based internet is a must in your home to attend and host video calls, along with a minimum bandwidth speed of 20 mbps.

Additional:

Department & Division: Natural Resources

Exempt Status*: Exempt

Reports to**: Terrestrial Operations Manager

Works with Inside Company:

• Internal Human Resources Team
• Internal Corporate Teams
• Business Development Team
• Natural Resourcesleadership & personnel

Works with Outside Company:

• Consultants and vendors as necessary
• Various clients

Working Conditions:

• Remote/Home Office
• Conduct fieldwork year-round, including in adverse weather and rough terrain.
• On-site work, outdoors, on active construction sites
• Long periods of driving
• Some weekend and out of town travel can be expected
• Supervisor Responsibilities:
• Manager to bat technicians

Physical Requirements:

• Repeat motions that may include the wrist, hands, and/or fingers
• Occasionally may need to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.
• Communication with others to exchange information. Must be able to see, read, write, and speak.
• Must be able to complete work by standing, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching
• Working outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
• Walking for periods of time including maneuvering uneven, uphill, and downhill terrain
• Heavy work that includes moving, lifting, and carrying objects up to 50 lbs., or more

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel overnight as needed.
• Estimated % of Overnight travel: 50%; varies with fluctuation in workload and work location

*This position is classified as exempt based on the job duties.

**The company reserves the right to make changes to the reporting structure for this position due to business needs.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)