• Job Description

  Req#: 13049

  About the opportunity

  SWCA Environmental Consultants’ Central Region is seeking a full-time, mid-level Bat Biologist – Site Lead (HR Title: Staff Biologist) to join our growing bat biology program. You will lead bat studies using mist-net and acoustic survey techniques for projects in the renewable energy, transportation, and other development projects across the eastern United States. A key element of your job will be to independently supervise environmental survey crews in the field. In addition, you will write reports, lead habitat assessments, and assist with other environmental surveys (e.g., avian surveys, wetland delineations, species-specific surveys). Applicants with additional relevant skills (e.g., wetland determinations, additional endangered species experienced) will receive top consideration.

  This position offers the possibility of temporary or regular full time status with the flexibility of working remotely from anywhere within the Indiana bat range. Lodging and travel expenses will be covered.

  What you will accomplish

  • Lead mist-net and acoustic surveys for bats
  • Collect field data for bats, other wildlife, and other natural resources

  • Supervise a small crew while conducting environmental fieldwork. This includes:

    • independently assigning and directing the activities of others on behalf of SWCA, often in remote areas without immediate guidance from senior managers, to ensure quality and on-time delivery;
    • ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities and delegated tasks and being held accountable if crew members under your supervision are not performing their activities correctly, productively, and safely;
    • serving as a conduit of communication between employees and senior managers, including communicating issues to relevant senior managers;
    • receiving and resolving complaints from employees in the field; and
    • monitoring team productivity and offering timely performance guidance, including determining when corrective action is needed and delivering appropriate feedback.
  • Track target species via radio-telemetry
  • Lead habitat assessments and site characterization studies
  • Prepare reports describing survey methodologies and results for clients and regulatory agencies
  • Assist with Endangered Species Act compliance coordination
  • May mentor junior staff, as appropriate
  • May conduct biological data/literature searches and reviews
  • May conduct wetland and stream delineations
  • Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, and associated landforms
  • Drive 4WD vehicles in rugged terrain

  Experience and qualifications for success

  Minimum Qualifications:

  • Hold a Federal Fish and Wildlife Section 10(a)(1)(A) permit for listed bat species to include, at a minimum, Indiana bat, gray bat, and the northern long-eared bat
  • Minimum of B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field
  • Minimum 2 years of demonstrated field experience with bat species of the eastern and central United States and appropriate survey techniques
  • Ability to work in a dynamic team environment in a variety of field conditions.
  • Must have proof of current rabies vaccination
  • Ability and willingness to travel; extensive travel and night work will be required during the summer months

  Preferred Qualifications:

  • Hold a 10(a)(1)(A) permit for Ozark big-eared bats and/or Virginia big-eared bats in addition to species listed above
  • Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrable skillsets and experience in addition to bat surveys, such as: wetland delineation, avian survey techniques, and botanical survey experience
  • Experience conducting manual review of acoustic survey data
  • Experience preparing scientific reports and environmental permitting documentation
  • Interest in using your experience to put your own stamp on a fast growing bat program
  • Ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours in inclement weather conditions. Ability to walk up to 10 miles per day, often in rugged terrain. May have to carry equipment and/or supplies, weighing up to 40 pounds

  SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms.

  SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

  An employee in this Chicago, Illinois-based position can expect an hourly pay rate of $24.15/hr. –$31.50/h r. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

  EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply

  If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

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• About the company

  SWCA provides comprehensive environmental planning, permitting, regulatory compliance, natural and cultural resource management, and air quality services to businesses and government clients across the United States.

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