Bat Biologist

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants’ Central Region is seeking a full-time Assistant Bat Biologist to join our growing bat biology program. You will assist lead bat biologists with 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. You will demonstrate the aptitude and experience to obtain their own federal bat permit and will have demonstrated some or most of the required skills to do so; this position will allow you to acquire additional on-the-job training with SWCA with the intention of developing into a lead bat biologist. In addition, you will write reports, conduct habitat assessments, and assist with other environmental surveys (e.g., avian surveys, wetland delineations, species-specific surveys).

The successful applicant may work remotely from anywhere within the Indiana bat range and will join our Chicago-based team. Lodging and travel expenses will be covered.

What you will accomplish

• Conduct mist-net and acoustic surveys for bats, with assistance from the lead bat biologist
• Collect field data for bats, other wildlife, and other natural resources
• Track target species via radio-telemetry
• Conduct habitat assessments and site characterization studies
• Assist with report preparation, describing survey methodologies and results for clients and regulatory agencies
• May conduct wetland and stream delineations
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, and associated landforms
• Drive 4WD vehicles in rugged terrain

Experience and qualifications for success

Minimum Qualifications:

• Demonstrated field experience with bat species of the eastern and central U.S. and appropriate survey techniques

• Experience with deploying mist-nets and extracting bats safely and efficiently

• Experience deploying bat acoustic detectors

• Minimum of B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field

• Ability to work in a dynamic team environment

• Ability and willingness to travel; extensive travel and night work will be required during the summer months

• Willingness to learn and assist with other aspects of environmental consulting, such as permitting, wetland delineations, and report preparation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proof of current rabies vaccination
• Experience with in-hand endangered bat species identification (Indiana bat, northern long-eared bat, gray bat, tricolored bat)
• 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 experience
• Experience conducting manual review of acoustic survey data
• Ability 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, IL-based position can expect an hourly pay rate of $21.53_–$27.83/h__our. 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.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply

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 accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

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