Compliance Team Lead

Bat Conservation International Inc.; Tucson (AZ); Remote; USD 80,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

A non-profit conservation organization is seeking a Compliance Team Lead to manage regulatory compliance across various conservation projects. Ideal candidates should have an MS degree in a relevant field and 5+ years of experience leading teams. The role involves engaging with federal partners and overseeing project management. Competitive salary of $80,000+ annually, along with benefits, is offered.

Benefits

Generous paid vacation

401(k) plan with employer match

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience leading teams and supervising staff.
• 5 to 10 years of NEPA/ESA experience; ideally with demonstrated experience on conservation or restoration projects.
• Proficiency in written and verbal communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage BCI’s Compliance Team focused on implementing required compliance.
• Manage project regulatory compliance and budget.
• Coordinate with federal partners for NEPA analyses.

Skills

Team leadership

NEPA/ESA experience

Communication skills

Project management

Biologist knowledge

Education

MS degree in biology, ecology, or related field

Job description

Bat Conservation International

Compliance Team Lead

Western United States

Status: Full Time, Salaried

Reports to: Director of Habitat Protection and Restoration (HP&R) (Jason Corbett)

Supervises: Cultural Resource Coordinator, NEPA Specialist

Key Relationships: Director HP&R, Subterranean Team Lead, Cultural Resource Coordinator, NEPA Specialist, Restoration Team Lead, Geospatial Team Lead, Director, Chief, Global Conservation and Strategy

Salary: $80,000+ (depending on experience) annually + benefits

BCI and our Mission

Bat Conservation International (BCI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ending bat extinctions worldwide, seeks a Compliance Team Lead to join BCI’s HP&R Program. The Compliance Team Lead must be highly collaborative and enjoy working within an environment that is mission and results-driven, where they can bring their knowledge and passion to work and contribute to the mission of BCI, the HP&R program, and lasting, positive ecological change.

BCI is a distributed organization with staff across the United States. The Compliance Team Lead can live anywhere in the western US but will be directing and coordinating conservation projects across the US, emphasizing the southwestern United States, particularly in New Mexico and Arizona.

Primary Responsibilities and Expectations

This position requires a highly trained, highly motivated individual and passionate problem solver who will effectively engage with federal partner agencies to increase the pace and scale of NEPA analyses for priority bat conservation projects throughout the U.S. The position will also include working with federal partners to complete ESA consultations, implement species recovery actions, and participate in agency multidisciplinary teams on a variety of conservation projects. Projects in the federal, mining, restoration, private development, utilities or other markets are possible.

The Lead will be responsible for working on all aspects of the project regulatory compliance, including assisting with developing scope and budget; utilizing a team from BCI’s technical professionals or from outside partners; coordinating with the partner to develop strategies to meet the projects’ goals; managing budget/schedule; and delivering the highest-quality services.

This position is ideal for a biologist, ecologist, natural resource manager, or conservationist with experience and interest leading, conducting, and managing compliance work across various landscapes, managing and coordinating collaborative projects, managing a diverse staff with a variety of skillsets, and communicating with partners and stakeholders.

Position Description:

• Lead and manage BCI’s Compliance Team focused on implementing required compliance in support of the organization’s projects and will engage in project leadership, project management, cross-functional coordination, etc.
• Write, edit, and submit EAs, BAs, and CEs, in addition to other planning documents.
• Write, edit, and submit USFS Watershed Restoration Action Plans.
• Lead partner communications and relationships relating to compliance (Cultural Resources and NEPA).
• Participate in the HP&R Leadership Team.
• Direct supervision and management of staff positions within the team.
• Coordinate with the rest of HP&R, ESI, and Science on projects and development.
• Complete technical analysis for one or more of the NEPA technical resource areas (i.e., biological resources, wetlands, noise, cultural resources, hazardous materials and so on).
• Lead development of strategies and coordination to address potential endangered species issues including preparing habitat conservation plans (HCPs) and biological assessments (BAs).
• Provide demonstrated relevant experience related to impact assessment of federally (and state, as applicable) listed species, ESA compliance, and coordination with agency personnel for Section 7 and 10 permitting processes.
• Provide working knowledge of federally/state listed bat species.
• Lead or integrate on a project team for developing HCPs, BAs or ECPs in support of BCI’s conservation work.
• Performing due diligence and permitting for restoration projects may also include supporting NEPA documents, including EAs or EISs, mitigation plans, ECPs, and other documents required under the Endangered Species Act and other environmental rules, regulations, and associated permitting.
• Develop and manage team budget.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications:

Required Knowledge/Experience

• MS degree in a relevant field such as biology, ecology, wildlife, conservation, or a related field or a B.S. degree plus 8 years at least of relevant professional experience.
• 5+ years of experience leading teams and supervising staff.
• 5 to 10 years of NEPA/ESA experience; ideally with demonstrated experience on conservation, restoration projects or other land management projects.
• Proficiency in written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proficiency and confidence in spoken communication by email, Zoom communications, in-person meetings and in-person presentations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal (USFWS, BLM, USFS) land management policy, law and regulation.
• Proficiency in data management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, including management and coordination of remote staff and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability and interest in proposal writing to support organizational projects.
• Ability and interest in communicating results to diverse stakeholders and audiences.
• Proven success with managing multiple tasks/projects simultaneously and accurately with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize under the pressure of deadlines.
• Ability to work, communicate, and ask for support effectively with all levels of staff, government agencies, industry, landowners, and other partners.

Preferred Knowledge/Experience:

• Demonstrated familiarity with bat ecology.
• 5-10 years professional experience with federal and/or state agencies and/or private sector and preferably all.
• Familiarity of restoration practices.
• Knowledge and experience in spring inventory techniques.
• Knowledge of invasive plant and animal management techniques.
• Knowledge of abandoned mines, both surface and subsurface.
• Experience and knowledge in 4x4 off-road driving.
• Experience working in dynamic and remote outdoor environments.
• Certifications in first aid and CPR (training may be provided if necessary).

Work Characteristics and Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal skills approachability, and creative problem-solving.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and self-starter.
• Seeks out adversity and has high emotional awareness.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Highly collaborative with a growth mindset and enjoys challenges.
• Willingness to be flexible and adaptive.
• Highly curious and have a deep desire to learn new things.
• Contributes to a healthy workplace and organization.

To Apply:

If you have 70% or more of the desired qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Individuals interested in applying should upload their resume and cover letter to the application portal. In the cover letter, please explain how your work and lived experiences have prepared you to be successful in this position, what you find compelling about this job, and how you (and your career) will benefit from this position.

Applications are due on October 17, 2025. Interviews will be held late October with a tentative start date in November.

Compensation and Benefits

• $80,000 annually, full-time salaried. Paid biweekly electronically or via check.
• Compensation package includes generous paid vacation and sick time; 401(k) plan with employer match; health, dental, and vision insurance plan.

Organizational culture that supports staff well-being and professional development.