Bat Biologist

Edge Engineering and Science; United States; Remote; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits (medical, etc.)

Employer matched 401(k)

Annual performance bonus program

Student loan repayment assistance

Travel and lodging expenses covered

Job summary

EDGE’s Protected Species Practice seeks a federally permitted Bat Biologist to lead presence/absence mist net surveys for threatened and endangered bats across Indiana, gray, tricolored, and northern long-eared species. The role includes radio-telemetry, habitat surveys, harp trapping, acoustic surveys, and proposal/report writing.

Offered as a full-time position with potential remote work or to join EDGE offices in Houston, Cincinnati, or Huntington, WV.

Qualifications

• Federal collection permit for Indiana, gray, tricolored, and northern long-eared bats
• 3+ years field experience leading teams on bat surveys
• Pre-exposure rabies vaccination
• Minimum of B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources Management, or related field; Master’s degree is a plus
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs in the field
• Availability May 15 to August 15 with overtime
• Strong technical writing skills for proposals and reports
• Interpersonal and communication skills with landowners, clients, and team members
• Experience coordinating T&E surveys with state and federal agencies
• Adaptable to changing field environments and positive attitude toward field work
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be comfortable driving off-road

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 and analyze calls when able
• Work independently with a technician as a team lead and coordinate with clients and project managers
• Utilize equipment including tablets, telemetry receivers, acoustic detectors, and Analook

Skills

Team leadership

Bat species identification

Technical writing

Field data collection

Safe field operations

Off-road driving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, or Natural Resources

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Telemetry equipment

Acoustic detectors

Analook software

Microsoft Office

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
• Pre-exposure rabies vaccination
• 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. We help businesses around the world meet the environmental challenges they face. Our work not only helps the companies we serve, it ensures the products of our clients’ businesses continue to drive the economy and positively impacts the future of our planet.
National Reach. Local Management. We have the people and the resources to serve clients across the United States, but our small company feel is what makes us unique. Every individual within our company has the opportunity to give input on projects, allowing employees to grow their knowledge and experience and EDGE to provide the best solutions to our customers.
Engaging Projects. The diverse needs of our clients ensure your work is always of interest and provide opportunities for innovation at every level of the company. Our employees enjoy greater responsibility and develop a breadth of experience not common with other entry- to mid-level career opportunities in our field.
Career Growth Opportunities. At least one member of our corporate leadership is involved in every major project, allowing for a close relationship between management and employees. We encourage collaboration and ingenuity and reward success by promoting from within.
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

EDGE places high value on the health and well-being of its employees and offers the following 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.