Bat Survey Technician

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST); Remote; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm seeks a Bat Survey Technician to conduct traveling bat surveys across various U.S. states. Responsibilities include utilizing acoustic detectors, collecting data, and working in challenging conditions as part of a team. Candidates should have a background in wildlife biology and be knowledgeable in survey techniques. A Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields is preferred. The role includes travel and housing covered by the firm, with deadlines extending from May to August.

Benefits

Housing provided during travel

Travel expenses covered

Health and safety training

Qualifications

• Knowledge of bat survey methods and wildlife management.
• Ability to hike long distances under challenging conditions.
• Good interpersonal skills for teamwork with project managers and biologists.

Responsibilities

• Conduct traveling bat surveys across the U.S.
• Deploy ultrasonic bat detectors and manage collected data.
• Assist in various bat-focused surveys as needed.

Skills

Acoustic survey techniques

Wildlife biology

Data collection

Field safety

GPS navigation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources or Wildlife Management

Tools

Wildlife Acoustics SM4

GPS units

Tablet for data collection

Job description

Job Title

Bat Survey Technician

Salary

$18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Job Classification

Hourly, Temporary

Location

Bloomington, IN 47401 US (Primary)

Job Type

Temporary

# of Hires Needed

4

Job Description

Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for temporary full-time, Bat Survey Technicians to conduct traveling bat surveys including acoustics, mist netting, and habitat assessment across the northern long-eared bat, Indiana bat, and tricolored bat ranges within the U.S.

WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data. Since its founding in 1990, the WEST team has shaped the foundation of what we do, and what we believe in through our core values and key principles. Our work matters to our clients, communities, and the environment. Join WEST and discover a company of passionate, committed, and highly motivated individuals.

Key Details

• Compensation: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour, DOE
• Housing: Housing in the form of hotels and/or rental houses provided along with other travel expenses including rental vehicle, gas, and per diem are covered
• Location: Continuous travel between states across the U.S (Great Plains, Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast).
• Start Date: Approximately May 1, 2026
• End Date: Approximately August 31, 2026

Job Summary

The successful candidates for this position will be:

• Able to travel continuously over three months throughout threatened and endangered bat ranges across the U.S. working on a two-person crew to conduct acoustic surveys for targeted bat species at proposed development projects.
• Primary duties include deployment of ultrasonic bat detectors (e.g. Wildlife Acoustics SM4, etc.), collecting acoustic data, organizing acoustic equipment, thorough and accurate data collection, organization, and uploading data.
• Depending on project availability and personal experience, additional duties may include conducting other bat-focused surveys (e.g., performing emergence counts, tracking tagged bats via radio telemetry, or mist net surveys).
• Able to work independently and in a team, interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, clients, landowners, and other technicians, and take direction from supervisors.
• Must be able to communicate and coordinate effectively with WEST supervisors and bat biologists, including adhering to schedules and completing surveys.
• Able to travel continuously from May - August with hours per week varying depending on weather conditions with overtime provided. Estimated 40-60 hours per week.
• Ability to adhere to a flexible schedule.

Responsibilities Include

• Use of bat detectors, global positioning system devices, maps, compass, tablet and digital cameras as well as the ability to maintain equipment.
• Conduct field work while adhering to WEST and client field safety requirements.
• Participate in WEST weekly health and safety calls and adhere to WEST safety protocols.
• Technicians will be expected to use good judgement to stay safe and work efficiently.
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients and landowners.
• Job requires the person filling this position to be able to appear for work on time, working long hours, hiking in adverse conditions with small to moderate loads.
• Assist field supervisors and crew leaders with various tasks (reviewing weather data, datasheets, and completing inventory of field equipment regularly).
• Follow instructions from project managers, field supervisors, and acoustic crew leaders; interact effectively with coworkers and clients; maintain a positive attitude; and accept guidance and constructive criticism.
• Depending on project availability and personal experience, assist bat biologists with mist-net surveys.
  • This would include safety handling and processing bat species*, recording data on a tablet, and following WNS decontamination protocols.
  • *In order to handle live bats, a rabies vaccination is required before the start of field season, if not within the last two years, then a titer check will be required. WEST may assist employees with the cost of titer checks if offered the position, but not the cost of vaccination.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree preferred; undergraduates or other enthusiastic workers are encouraged to apply.
• Candidates with field experience related to acoustic surveys, mist-netting, or bat handling will be given preference.
• Experience with acoustic detectors, telemetry, GPS units, tablet data collection, compass, and other field equipment preferred.
• Preference will be given to those who are rabies vaccinated but it's not a requirement.

Physical Requirements

• Applicants must be in good physical shape, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be challenging, difficult, and uncomfortable.
• Field work will entail hiking to acoustic survey sites with up to 30 pounds of field equipment in varying terrain, sometimes in inclement conditions.
• Must be able to walk an average of 10 miles a day in a hot, humid environment.

Additional Details

Vehicles will be provided for work completion or mileage reimbursed. Acoustic equipment and bat detectors including associated gear, GPS units, compass, camera, electronics for data entry (e.g., phone, tablet and/or laptop) will be provided by WEST. Candidates must be equipped with and provide their own sturdy hiking shoes, backpack, clothing, water bottles, etc. Training will be provided for survey efforts and job-related activities.

After an Offer

After an offer of employment is made, the candidate must successfully pass a pre-employment background check, drug and alcohol screening, and a DMV records check that meets WEST's minimum criteria to operate a motor vehicle on behalf of the company. A valid driver's license will be required. Candidates must adhere to all health and safety requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity

WEST provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, genetics, and any protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. WEST takes affirmative action to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly, and without discrimination, for recruitment, selection, advancement and every other term and privilege associated with employment.