Bat Biologist - Site LeadRequisition Number2023-13050
of Openings1
Office LocationUS-WV | US-MN-Minneapolis | US-OH | US-PA-Bridgeville | US-NC-Cary | US-PA | US
ProgramNatural Resources/Biology/Ecology
Hire TypeRegular
About the opportunity
SWCA Environmental Consultants' Central Region is seeking a full-time, mid-level Bat Biologist - Site Lead (HR Title: Staff Biologist) to join our growing bat biology program. You will lead bat studies using mist-net and acoustic survey techniques for projects in the renewable energy, transportation, and other development projects across the eastern United States. A key element of your job will be to independently supervise environmental survey crews in the field. In addition, you will write reports, lead habitat assessments, and assist with other environmental surveys (e.g., avian surveys, wetland delineations, species-specific surveys). Applicants with additional relevant skills (e.g., wetland determinations, additional endangered species experienced) will receive top consideration.
This position offers the possibility of temporary or regular full time status with the flexibility of working remotely from anywhere within the Indiana bat range. Lodging and travel expenses will be covered.
What you will accomplish
Lead mist-net and acoustic surveys for batsCollect field data for bats, other wildlife, and other natural resources
Supervise a small crew while conducting environmental fieldwork. This includes:independently assigning and directing the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers, to ensure quality and on-time delivery;ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks and being held accountable if crew members under your supervision are not performing their activities correctly, productively, and safely;serving as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers, including communicating issues to relevant senior managers;receiving and resolving complaints from employees in the field; andmonitoring team productivity and offering timely performance guidance, including determining when corrective action is needed and delivering appropriate feedback.Track target species via radio-telemetryLead habitat assessments and site characterization studiesPrepare reports describing survey methodologies and results for clients and regulatory agenciesAssist with Endangered Species Act compliance coordinationMay mentor junior staff, as appropriateMay conduct biological data/literature searches and reviewsMay conduct wetland and stream delineationsUse topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, and associated landformsDrive 4WD vehicles in rugged terrain
Experience and qualifications for success
Minimum Qualifications:Hold a Federal Fish and Wildlife Section 10(a)(1)(A) permit for listed bat species to include, at a minimum, the Indiana bat, gray bat, and northern long-eared batMinimum of B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related fieldMinimum 2 years of demonstrated field experience with bat species of the eastern and central United States and appropriate survey techniquesAbility to work in a dynamic team environment in a variety of field conditions.Must have proof of current rabies vaccinationAbility and willingness to travel; extensive travel and night work will be required during the summer monthsPreferred Qualifications:Hold a 10(a)(1)(A) permit for Ozark big-eared bats and/or Virginia big-eared bats in addition to the species listed above.Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrable skillsets and experience in addition to bat surveys, such as: wetland delineation, avian survey techniques, and botanical survey experienceExperience conducting manua review of acoustic survey dataExperience preparing scientific reports and environmental permitting documentationInterest in using your experience to put your own stamp on a fast growing bat programAbility to conduct fieldwork for long hours in inclement weather conditions. Ability to walk up to 10 miles per day, often in rugged terrain. May have to carry equipment and/or supplies, weighing up to 40 pounds.SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms.SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.
An employee in this Chicago, Illinois-based position can expect an hourly pay rate of $24.15/hr.-$31.50/hour. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA's Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.
If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email [email protected] or call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.#LI-LC1#ind-swca
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