Mojave Desert Network Bat Specialist

Bat Conservation International; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Bat Conservation International (BCI) seeks a Bat Specialist for the Mojave Desert Network, conducting field acoustic and capture surveys across MOJN parks. This seasonal, part-time role leads field activities, ensures data quality, and supports NPS collaboration to monitor bat populations in the Mojave Desert Network.

The position requires a Bachelor’s in a natural resources field, experience with bat surveys and species identification, and willingness to camp and travel to remote locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a natural resource focused program.
• At least one season of conducting passive acoustic bat surveys.
• At least three seasons of experience in capturing bats using mist nets and identifying bats to species using standard keys.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of bat monitoring field activities per protocols and project requirements.
• Conduct passive acoustic surveys and spring bat capture surveys; identify species and assess age/sex.
• Maintain and use field, acoustic, capture, and sampling equipment.
• Coordinate day‑to‑day field activities across MOJN parks and schedules.
• Provide field direction and training to interns and seasonal technicians.
• Ensure data quality and timely submission per project protocols.

Skills

Acoustic bat surveys

Bat capture & ID

Field data collection

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural resources

Tools

NABat protocols

Survey123 / AGOL

Job description

Mojave Desert Network Bat Specialist

Seasonal US

5 days ago Requisition ID: 1114

Salary Range: $26.50 To $28.50 Hourly

Bat Conservation International

Location: Mojave and Great Basin region, United States
Department: Science
Reports To: Sarah Stankavich, Conservation Research Coordinator
Employment Type: Part time, seasonal
Salary: $ 26.50-28.50/hr

Length of employment: 31 weeks (with the possibility of a 3-4 week extension, subject to funding)

About BCI
At Bat Conservation International (BCI), we are working to end bat extinctions worldwide through science, conservation, restoration, and collaboration. Every member of our team contributes to protecting biodiversity and creating healthier ecosystems for future generations.

If you're looking for meaningful work where your expertise makes a measurable difference, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

The Mojave Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring Program (MOJN) is one of 32 National Park Service regional networks that conduct long‑term monitoring of key natural resources, including plants, wildlife, water, and ecosystems, to better understand the ecological health of national parks. The information collected through these programs supports park planning, research, education, and natural resource management.

Through BCI's collaboration with MOJN and participating National Park Service units, the Bat Specialist will play a key role in implementing the Network's 2027 bat monitoring program. The position will lead field‑based acoustic and capture surveys across participating parks, helping generate high‑quality data that inform our understanding and conservation of bat populations across the Mojave Desert Network.

For more information about the Mojave Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring Program, visit the NPS MOJN website .

Housing

Housing is not provided with this position. MOJN staff may provide information and resources to assist the selected candidate in identifying potential housing options; however, securing and paying for housing will be the employee's responsibility. Previous seasonal staff have successfully found rooms to rent or shared housing with other seasonal employees.

Essential Functions

Field Monitoring & Technical Execution

• Lead implementation of MOJN's 2027 bat monitoring field activities in accordance with established protocols, permits, and project requirements, including: passive acoustic surveys using modified NABat protocols; spring bat capture surveys using mist nets and harp traps, including species identification and assessment of age, sex, and reproductive status.
• Conduct approved biological sampling, including WNS swabbing and tissue collection, in accordance with established protocols, permits, and animal-handling requirements.
• Maintain and properly use field, acoustic, capture, and sampling equipment.

Field Leadership & Coordination

• Serve as the primary field lead and coordinate day‑to‑day field activities across participating MOJN parks, including coordinating schedules, site access, logistics, and changes to field plans with the project lead and NPS park staff.
• Provide field direction, training, and technical guidance to the assigned intern and seasonal technicians.
• Exercise sound judgment and adapt field plans in response to weather, access, safety, wildlife, or other changing field conditions.
• Support planning and implementation of the network bat blitz, if approved.

Data Management & Quality

• Ensure field data and associated records are complete, accurate, organized, and submitted according to project protocols and timelines; maintain organized data and file structures and communicate data‑quality issues to the project lead.
• Conduct QA/QC of Survey123 records, acoustic files, capture data, and other project documentation.

Field Safety & Logistics

• Promote safe field practices and compliance with BCI, NPS, permit, and project requirements.
• Safely operate 4WD vehicles on highways and unimproved roads and support field logistics in remote locations.
• Prepare for extended field assignments, including overnight travel and camping in remote locations with limited or no amenities.

Qualifications

Required Knowledge/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a natural resource focused program.

• At least one season of conducting passive acoustic bat surveys;
• At least three seasons of experience in capturing bats using mist nets and identifying bats to species using standard keys;

Preferred Knowledge/Experience

• Experience capturing, handling, and identifying bats in the western United States
• Knowledge of NABat protocols and experience with different acoustic detectors
• Familiarity with basic vehicle maintenance (checking fluid levels and tire pressure, changing a tire, etc.)
• Current rabies titer
• Experience hiking or working in desert environments
• Knowledge of Survey123, AGOL, or other GIS software
• Identification of plants of the Mojave or Great Basin regions
• Wilderness First Aid certification

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Ability to hike at least 10 miles per day for multiple days on steep or rugged terrain in variable and sometimes extreme weather conditions;
• Ability to lift 50lbs and carry heavy equipment over varying terrain;
• Ability to "car camp" for multiple days in remote locations with no amenities;

Work Characteristics and Competencies

• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team to accomplish program goals;
• Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with team members and colleagues;
• Attention to detail and data quality;
• Excellent organizational skills.

Applicants must have a valid driver's license and possess a clean driving record and must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident. Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.

Bat Conservation International is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce and committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community.