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Bat Surveyor/Environmental Scientist
Franklin, PA, US
3 days ago Requisition ID: 1004
Salary Range: $65,000.00 To $113,000.00 Annually
KJ Consulting and Environmental Services is seeking a responsible, detail-oriented individual to serve as a Qualified Bat Surveyor / Environmental Scientist who will be responsible for performing various tasks in the environmental division. This role requires knowledge and experience in bat habitat assessments, species identification, surveys, data collection and analysis, regulatory compliance, mitigation planning, agency coordination, project management, and public engagement.
We are looking for a team player with a strong work ethic. This position will focus on the performance of threatened and endangered bat habitat assessments, surveys, and regulatory agency coordination.
Qualified Bat Surveyor (QBS) / Environmental Scientist - 2 positions
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Pay Range: $65,000 - $98,500. Average = $81,613 (2-4 years)
Pay Range: $75,000 - $113,000. Average = $93,084 (5+ years)
For the posting: Salary commensurate with experience.
Position Overview
KJ Consulting and Environmental Services is seeking a responsible, detail-oriented individual to serve as a Qualified Bat Surveyor / Environmental Scientist who will be responsible for performing various tasks in the environmental division. This role requires knowledge and experience in bat habitat assessments, species identification, surveys, data collection and analysis, regulatory compliance, mitigation planning, agency coordination, project management, and public engagement.
We are looking for a team player with a strong work ethic. This position will focus on the performance of threatened and endangered bat habitat assessments, surveys, and regulatory agency coordination.
Education/Experience
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife, Environmental Sciences or related field from accredited college/university;
- Registered as a Qualified Bat Surveyor by the PA Game Commission and US Fish and Wildlife Service PA field office;
- Possession of current or recent permit from the Pennsylvania Game Commission in order to handle or conduct surveys for State or federally listed bats; and
- Minimum of at least 2 years of experience in field studies, data collection, and conducting bat surveys related to Indiana bats, northern long-eared bats, and tricolored bats.
Required Skills
- Experience with the National Environmental Protection Act and the Federal Endangered Species Act, and experience in environmental consulting or a related industry;
- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems;
- Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems;
- Have expertise in species identification, habitat evaluation, regulatory knowledge, and the ability to conduct field work;
- Proven ability to organize, write, and edit effective technical reports and permit applications;
- Proven ability to conduct project planning and permitting meetings, including agency meetings;
- Proficiency in bat identification (live and via calls);
- Experience with bat survey equipment (acoustic detectors, mist nets, traps);
- Knowledge of state and federal bat species, their habitats and assessment methods, and conservation status;
- Excellent observational skills and strong interest in wildlife;
- Attention to detail following field protocols, data collection, and data entry;
- Generate data of known quality and appropriate field notes;
- Experience with PennDOT, PA Turnpike Commission, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, PA Game Commission, and PA DEP procedures/regulations;
- Strong technical writing skills, efficiently and accurately performs QA/QC;
- Experience with project management, data management, and report writing/preparation;
- Implement and complete tasks in a timely manner and within budget communicated by manager;
- Strong communication, problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills, and the ability to think critically;
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment;
- Ability to work outdoors under difficult field conditions including variable weather, difficult terrain, physically demanding circumstances at night, and long and irregular hours (when needed), unsupervised in remote field conditions;
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.);
- Prior experience working within the consulting industry for public, state, federal, and/or oil & gas industry clients is a plus;
- Must have a valid driver’s license, and provide your own transportation to field sites; and
- Follow company and client mandated safety rules/practices and is safety conscious at all times.
Duties
- Perform and supervise threatened and endangered bat habitat assessments, surveys, and regulatory agency coordination;
- Prepare summary report documentation of bat studies/surveys and conduct coordination/consultation with the appropriate USFWS field office and state wildlife agency;
- Comply with federal, state, and local regulations;
- Perform technical work and draft technical reports;
- Perform desktop analysis and initial field reconnaissance;
- Travel to field sites to collect data and conduct surveys. Field surveys in forests, wetlands, caves, mine openings, structures, and other bat habitats;
- Collaborate with government agencies, developers, energy companies, and conservation organizations;
- Prepare detailed survey reports for regulatory submissions;
- Identify and evaluate suitable habitats for different bat species, including roosting and foraging sites;
- Use visual/manual/hand methods or acoustic data to identify bat species, including rare, threatened, or endangered types such as the Indiana, northern long-eared, little brown, and tricolored bats;
- Conduct acoustic surveys with ultrasonic detectors and analysis software to record and identify species, or trapping surveys using mist nets and harp traps, with proper handling and biometric recording;
- Ensure all work follows U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Range-Wide Indiana Bat & Northern Long-Eared Bat Survey Guidelines and obtaining required permits, including state scientific collecting permits;
- Advise on measures to minimize impacts of projects on bat colonies;
- Work with federal, state, and local agencies to coordinate surveys and avoid delays in project approval;
- Follow the Pennsylvania Guidance on Surveying Transportation Structures for Bats and Bird Occupancy when conducting bat use assessments and surveys on transportation structures;
- Utilize project data and provide analysis for multiple projects;
- Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work;
- Prepare deliverables, including reports and work plans;
- Perform interpretation of tables, graphs, data, and figures;
- Safely perform work in the office and field. The assignments require the ability to lift 50 lbs., carry equipment, work within wetland and stream areas, maneuver around obstacles, and work in the presence of traffic;
- Perform additional responsibilities at times, if necessary, to achieve project and/or company goals;
- Prepare technical and research reports such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in the industry, government, or the general public;
- Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relationships with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings;
- Prepare documentation in response to requests for proposals or statements of interest;
- Use computers to store, process, and analyze data;
- Assist with the preparation of state and federal permit application packages and coordinate the acquisition of permit authorizations; and
- Comply with all KJ policies and procedures.