Associate Bat Biologist - (1021)
Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), is looking for a full-time Associate Bat Biologist in the Rocky Mountains. The bat biologist would be responsible for deployment of long term acoustic detectors, NABat surveys, acoustic data management and analysis, habitat assessments, and report writing in the Western United States.
WEST is a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices in several states, has an exciting, challenging and immediate opportunity for a full-time Bat Biologist. WEST was founded in 1990 and over the last 30 years has grown to be one of the premier environmental and statistical consulting firms in the United States. WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data. This unique blend of disciplines and our years of experience in both areas allow us to provide original solutions to a wide range of natural resource issues from inventory to permitting to risk assessment to basic research. WEST provides consulting services to government, industry and other organizations.
WEST provides clients a unique combination of biological and statistical expertise. We complete quantitative monitoring studies used by our clients to assess potential impacts, and to design conservation measures to reduce projects’ impacts on bats and other wildlife. This provides our employees an opportunity to help make a difference and contribute to wildlife conservation.
Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers
The minimum base salary is $50,000 for the Associate-level bat biologist position, plus annual bonus. Salary may vary based on education, knowledge and experience.
Job Summary:
The successful candidate will have demonstrated ability to deploy and maintain common bat acoustic detectors (preferably SM detectors), read and understand detector outputs and summary files, and organize large data sets. Experience with acoustic analysis software (i.e. Kaleidoscope, Analook, AnaBat Insight, SonoBat). Additionally, experience with habitat requirements of western bat species and have experience conducting habitat assessments for bats. Preference will be given those with state and federal permit experience and NABat database uploads. Additionally, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing and completing bat and other wildlife related studies, including presence-absence surveys for threatened and endangered bats, pre-construction and post-construction avian and bat surveys at wind-energy projects, habitat assessments for rare species, and preparing/reviewing technical reports of survey results. The successful candidate would be associated with our Laramie or Cheyenne, WY offices, depending on the candidate may be open to other WEST locations.
This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of the duties which may be associated with this position.
Qualifications:
There are primary qualifications sought for the position:
- Experience designing and implementing wildlife field studies, specifically bats.
- Good verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency with Windows operating system and Microsoft Office programs.
- Project management/organizational skills.
- Applicants must be willing and able to travel (overnight and potentially for extended periods).
- Work independently or with other professionals, and be a participant in a positive work environment.
- Applicants should demonstrate the ability to follow instructions from managers; interact effectively with coworkers, clients, and agencies; and be able to accept guidance and constructive criticism.
- Must be a strong writer with the ability to pay attention to detail and accurately report the scientific methods and results of field studies.
- Able to supervise others and meet deliverable targets and deadlines.
Requirements:
The successful candidate must be a self-starter who possesses:
- At least a Bachelor’s degree in biology or natural resource related field and experience working with bats, Master’s degree preferred.
- Be familiar with the current auto identification software’s, and current acoustic detectors is required. Familiarity with SonoBat, Kaleidoscope, and AnaBat Insight preferred.
- Experience with both deploying and troubleshooting bat acoustic equipment.
- Familiar with state or federal permitting processes especially in relation to bat surveys preferred but not required. Preference to those who hold a permit from the USFWS allowing the capture and handling of threatened and endangered bat species preferred.
- Preference will be given to biologists who have handled and have the ability to distinguish western Myotid species in-hand.
WEST is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for everyone and highly recommends all prospective hires be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to their start date. While WEST does not currently require vaccinations, please be aware that WEST has a mandatory vaccination policy in place should local, state or federal law require vaccinations. Additionally, WEST has certain clients that require all personnel to be vaccinated prior to working on their projects, so individuals will be required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination prior to working on those projects. As an exception, employees may also request a Medical or Religious exemption from the vaccine requirement and the request must be supported by a doctor for a medical exemption or by a statement from the employee outlining a sincerely held belief to qualify for a religious exemption. Please contact us if you have any questions.
After an offer of employment is made, the candidate must successfully pass a pre- employment background check, drug 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.
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. Further, 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.