Fat Bat Technician
August 2021
Bat Conservation International (BCI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ending bat extinctions worldwide, seeks a Fat Bat Technician to join BCI’s Science Team.
The Fat Bat Technician will join a dynamic organization and a highly progressive team of conservation scientists, reporting to the Fat Bat Project Coordinator. The Fat Bat Technician will conduct fieldwork for a large-scale project to test a conservation action to improve foraging efficiency to ultimately aid survival and population recovery for hibernating bats impacted by White-nose Syndrome (WNS).
The Fat Bat Technician must be comfortable working independently and safely in the field, have the ability to troubleshoot equipment and problem solve, and communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders and partners.
This is a part-time position with an expected 5 – 10 hours of work each week for a period of 4 – 6 weeks.
Position description:
Travel to field locations to:
- Set up and maintain a solar powered UV-light array
- Set up and maintain bat acoustic monitoring devices
- Set up and maintain trail cameras
- Collect insects at sunset and sunrise for one day, once a week
- Measure, weigh, and identify insects to order (training will be provided)
- Enter and manage data related to project activities
Ideal Candidate Qualifications:
Required Knowledge/Experience
- Have or be working towards a Bachelor of Science in biology, ecology, natural sciences, or a related field
- Ability to follow written protocols and comfort to ask questions and clarify instructions
- Ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of staff, government agencies, industry, landowners, and other partners
- Demonstrated ability to manage data in spreadsheets and comfort entering data in digital format (e.g., enter data in Survey123, competency in Microsoft Excel)
- Personal transportation and ability to travel long distances between research sites. Mileage will be reimbursed based on the federal rate. Preferred Knowledge/Experience
- Experience conducting fieldwork with bats, including acoustic monitoring
- Experience working outdoors in seasonal conditions and in the dark
- Wilderness first aid or similar training/experience working safely in remote areas
Work Characteristics & Competencies:
- Resourceful problem-solving skills
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision and high motivation
- Attention to detail
- Willingness to be flexible and adaptive
- Interest in working with digital platforms and data management
- Ability and willingness to work in physically demanding situations with potentially inclement weather and in the dark in remote wild areas.
- Interest in working with a remote team and interacting over video conference platforms
The hourly rate for this position is $12 – $15 depending on experience. 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.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority will be given to early applicants.