Bat Biologist

Edge Engineering and Science; Cincinnati, Houston, Pittsburgh, Huntington (OH, TX, Allegheny County, WV); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) plan

Annual bonus

Student loan repayment

Travel covered

Job summary

EDGE’s Protected Species Practice seeks a federally permitted Bat Biologist to lead mist net surveys for threatened and endangered species across Indiana, gray, tricolored, and northern long-eared bats. You may also conduct radio-telemetry, habitat surveys, and acoustic studies.

Join a growing bat team with opportunities for mussel surveys and other T&E work; remote work options or Cincinnati, Houston, or Huntington offices available.

Qualifications

• Federal collection permit for Indiana, gray, tricolored, and northern long-eared bats.
• 3+ years field experience leading bat surveys.
• BS in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources Management, or related field; MS a plus.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs in the field.
• Willing to work year-round in varying weather and terrain; long hours, day and night.
• Available May 15–Aug 15 during bat season; overtime required.
• Strong technical writing to assist proposals/reports.
• Good interpersonal skills with landowners, clients, and team members.
• Experience coordinating T&E surveys with state/federal agencies.
• Adaptable to changing field conditions and positive attitude.
• Valid driver’s license; comfortable driving off-road.

Responsibilities

• Lead presence/absence mist net surveys for T&E bat species.
• Identify bat species and habitats in the eastern U.S.
• Implement state/federal protocols for presence/absence surveys.
• Lead acoustic bat surveys and vet calls when possible.
• Manage a field team and coordinate with clients and project managers.
• Utilize tablets, telemetry gear, acoustic detectors, and MS Office.
• Assist with surveys outside bat season as needed.

Skills

Field leadership

Technical writing

Interpersonal communication

Off-road driving

Education

BS in Biology

Tools

Analook

Microsoft Office

Telemetry receivers

Acoustic bat detectors

Job description

EDGE’s Protected Species Practice is seeking a federally permitted Bat Biologist to join our growing bat team. As a fulltime Bat Biologist with EDGE, you will primarily lead presence/absence mist net surveys for threatened and endangered (T&E) species across the range of the Indiana, gray, tricolored, and northern long-eared bats. Other roles will include radio-telemetry on T&E bats, habitat surveys, harp trapping, acoustic surveys, and proposal and report writing.

Within the wider Protected Species Practice, biologists will have the opportunity to participate in mussel surveys, fish electrofishing studies, wetland delineations, rare plant surveys, herpetological habitat assessments, and various T&E species surveys. You may work remotely or join one of our offices in Houston (TX), Cincinnati (OH), or Huntington (WV).

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct field data collection on state and federally listed bat species and their habitat
• Identify bat species of the eastern United States and their habitat
• Understand and implement state and federal protocols on presence/absence surveys for T&E bats
• Lead teams on acoustic bat surveys, with preference to candidates who are able to analyze and vet calls
• Work independently with a technician as a team lead, while maintaining daily communication with team members, clients, and project managers to update progress and relay survey findings
• Utilize a variety of electronic equipment and software including tablets, computers, telemetry receivers, acoustic bat detectors, Microsoft Office, Analook, and more
• Assist Protected Species Practice with a variety of surveys outside of bat season

Requirements

• Federal collection permit for Indiana, gray, tricolored, and northern long-eared bats
• 3 plus years field experience leading teams on a variety of bat surveys
• Minimum of B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources Management, or a related field. Master’s degree is a plus
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs of equipment in the field
• Capable and willing to perform field tasks year-round in varying weather conditions and terrain for long hours, both night and day
• Available during bat season, May 15 to August 15. Overtime will be required.
• Strong technical writing skills to assist team members with writing proposals and reports
• Interpersonal and communication skills with landowners, clients, and team members
• Experience coordinating T&E species surveys with state and federal agencies
• Adaptable to an ever-changing field environment and have a positive attitude toward field work
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be comfortable driving off-road

Why EDGE?

Work That Matters.

National Reach. Local Management.

Engaging Projects.

Career Growth Opportunities.

Comprehensive Benefits Plan. We offer a full suite of benefits including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement savings plans with employer contributions, paid time off and more. Enjoy a career that also offers peace of mind when you join the EDGE team.

Benefits

• Comprehensive employee benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance.
• Employer matched 401(k) plan.
• Annual performance bonus program.
• Student loan repayment assistance after 12 months of employment for employees who graduated within 6 years of start date.
• Competitive maternity leave.
• All travel and lodging expenses are covered for this position.