Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for a full time Associate Bat Biologist out of our Bloomington, Indiana office. 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 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. Since its founding in 1990, the WEST team has shaped the foundation of what we do, and what we believe in through our core values and key principles. Our work matters to our clients, communities, and the environment. Join WEST and discover a company of passionate, committed, and highly motivated individuals.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers

Key details:

• Salary: The minimum base salary is $52,000 for the Associate-level bat biologist position. (Base salary will be based upon education, professional certifications, and previous work experience), plus annual bonus.

This position will require occasional overnight travel. Start date is flexible.

Job Summary:

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in deploying and maintaining common bat acoustic detectors (preferably Wildlife Acoustics detectors), reading and understanding detector outputs and summary files, and maintaining large acoustic data sets. Experience with acoustic analysis software (i.e. Kaleidoscope, Analook, AnaBat Insight, SonoBat) is preferred. Additionally, the candidate will have demonstrated knowledge of habitat requirements for western bat and/or eastern bat species and experience conducting habitat assessments for bats. Preference will be given to those with experience in state and federal permits pertaining to bats and NABat database uploads. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing and completing bat and other wildlife related studies, including presence/probable 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.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist in the deployment of long-term acoustic detectors
• Management and review of acoustic data collected across multiple projects to confirm detector and microphone functionality and troubleshoot issues with technicians in the field
• Review bat calls in bat acoustic analysis software, such as Kaleidoscope, Analook, AnaBat Insight, and SonoBat
• Perform bat statistic summaries using run scripts in R
• Assist in proposal writing and report writing for bat-specific studies

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.

Requirements:

The primary qualifications sought for the position include:

• Experience designing and implementing wildlife field studies, specifically for bats
• Good verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Applicants must be willing and able to travel (overnight and potentially for extended periods)
• 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
• Able to supervise others and meet deliverable targets and deadlines while upholding WEST’s strong safety culture
• At least a Bachelor’s degree in biology or a different natural resource-related field and experience working with bats (Master’s degree preferred)
• Familiarity with the current auto identification softwares (ideally SonoBat, Kaleidoscope, and Titley software), and current acoustic detectors is required.
• Experience with both deploying and troubleshooting bat acoustic detectors

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.