Senior Consultant, Permitted Bat Biologist, Natural Resources

ERM; Charleston (WV); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM in Charleston, WV is seeking a Senior Consultant, Permitted Bat Biologist to lead critical surveys and guide clients through complex regulatory landscapes. This role plays a vital part in balancing progress with ecological responsibility.

The ideal candidate has over 4 years' experience in bat surveys, a bachelor’s degree, and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The position involves frequent travel and fieldwork.

Join ERM and help deliver innovative solutions that protect biodiversity while enabling renewable energy growth.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience conducting bat surveys and managing related tasks.
• Valid USFWS Section 10 permit for bat mist-netting surveys in the Eastern USA.
• Strong ability to work independently and collaboratively in dynamic environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead mist-netting and radio-telemetry surveys for protected bat species.
• Develop survey protocols, budgets, and proposals.
• Ensure compliance with NEPA, ESA, and other environmental regulations.

Skills

Bat survey management

Technical writing

Data analysis

Mist-netting expertise

Acoustic bat surveys

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resources, or related field

Master’s degree in biology or related discipline

Tools

ArcGIS

GPS-based survey equipment

Job description

Senior Consultant, Permitted Bat Biologist – Natural Resources

Ready to take your career to the next level? Join ERM and help us deliver innovative solutions that protect biodiversity while powering progress.

Why This Role Matters

If you’re an experienced bat biologist with a passion for conservation and renewable energy, this is your chance to make a measurable impact. ERM is a global leader in environmental consulting, and we’re looking for a seasoned professional to help shape the future of sustainable infrastructure projects across the Great Plains and Midwest. Your expertise will directly influence how major capital projects—from wind farms to transmission lines—balance progress with ecological responsibility.

What Your Impact Is

As a Senior Consultant, Permitted Bat Biologist, Natural Resources, you’ll play a key role in growing our business in our Charleston (WV), Indianapolis, Nashville, or Charlotte offices. You’ll lead critical surveys, guide clients through complex regulatory landscapes, and ensure projects meet environmental standards without compromising timelines. Your work will protect endangered species while enabling renewable energy growth—making you a key player in the transition to a low‑carbon future.

What You’ll Bring

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resources, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Valid USFWS Section 10 permit for bat mist‑netting surveys in the Eastern USA.
• 4+ years of experience conducting bat surveys and managing related tasks.
• Expertise in mist‑netting, radio telemetry, and roost emergence counts.
• Familiarity with acoustic bat surveys and associated software.
• Strong technical writing and data analysis skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in dynamic environments.
• Driver’s License Required: This position requires a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area.
• Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork in potentially remote areas for extended periods, including overnight travel.
• This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in biology or related discipline.
• Experience with ArcGIS, GPS‑based survey equipment, and statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of NEPA, ESA Section 7 & 10, and state‑level environmental reviews.
• Previous work on renewable energy, transmission, or pipeline projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead mist‑netting and radio‑telemetry surveys for protected bat species.
• Oversee acoustic surveys and review acoustic data.
• Develop survey protocols, budgets, and proposals.
• Conduct desktop site reviews and submit permit applications.
• Analyze data and prepare high‑quality reports for clients and regulatory agencies.
• Ensure compliance with NEPA, ESA, and other environmental regulations.
• Maintain rigorous quality control standards across all deliverables.

Equal Employment Opportunity

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.