Bat Acoustic Survey Crew Lead - (1097)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States, is looking for temporary, full-time Bat Acoustic Survey Crew Leaders in the Eastern and Midwestern U.S.   Since 1990, WEST 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. 

Key Details:

• Compensation: $20.00 – $26.00 per hour, DOE
• Completion Bonus: $500.00 upon completion of the project if in good standing with a clean safety record.
• Travel: Housing and other travel expenses (vehicle, gas, per diem) are covered
• Start Date: Approximately May 15, 2023
• End Date: Approximately August 15, 2023
• Location: Eastern and Midwestern U.S.
• Additional details: Vehicles will be provided for work completion or mileage reimbursed. Bat detectors including associated gear, GPS units, compass, camera, and will be provided by WEST. Candidates must be equipped with and provide their own sturdy hiking shoes, backpack, clothing, water bottles, etc. Training will be provided for survey efforts and job related activities.

Job Summary:

•  The successful candidates for this position will be:
• Able to conduct presence absence acoustic surveys (SM3, SM4, etc.) on targeted bat species in various locations and habitats.
• Able to work independently and in a team. Must be able to communicate and coordinate effectively with WEST supervisors including adhering to schedules and providing routine summaries of survey efforts.
• Well-organized, with the ability to electronically track and maintain data across multiple projects.
• Experienced supervisors and be skilled in managing multiple technicians, delegating tasks, and completing surveys in a timely manner.
• Able to travel continuously from May – August throughout the eastern half of the United States.

Responsibilities Include:

• Communicate with technicians and WEST supervisors requiring the consistent use of phone/text and email, including availability when crews are working (early mornings and late evening).
• Travel the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. while leading a two-person crew to conduct acoustic surveys for Indiana bats and northern long-eared bats at proposed development projects.
• Use of global positioning system devices, maps, compasses, tablet, and digital cameras as well as the ability to maintain equipment.
• Carefully manage acoustic data and equipment during the field season.
• Participate in WEST’s weekly health and safety calls and adhere to WEST’s safety protocols.
• Crew leaders will be expected to use good judgment to stay safe and work efficiently and maintain safe working conditions for crew members.
• Keep field vehicles clean and organized.
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients, and landowners.
• Job requires the person filling this position to be able to appear for work on time; hiking in adverse conditions with small to moderate loads.

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of all the duties which may be associated with this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree preferred.
• Candidates with previous management experience and/or in-field experience with acoustic surveys will be given preference.
• Experience with acoustic detectors, GPS units, tablet data collection, compass, and other field equipment preferred.
• Candidates must be organized, and able to collect and manage data on a tablet, including implementing quality control measures.

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical shape, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme.
• Field work will entail hiking to acoustic survey sites with up to 30 pounds of field equipment in varying terrain, sometimes in inclement conditions.
• Must be able to walk from 10 - 15 miles a day in a hot humid environment.

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.

https://west-inc.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/1097

Benefit & Compensation Infographic-Temporary_V2_2022 (1).pdf