Position Website and Application Information
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, submit accurate data in a timely manner, and communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders and partners.
1. We are hiring 1 technician to complete work at 3 field sites in Illinois, one in Union County, one in Jackson County, and one in Pope County. Hours worked will be between 10-25 hours/week. Anticipated start date is March 21, 2022. The hourly rate for this position is $15 and may increase depending on experience.
2. We are hiring 1 technician to complete work at 2 field sites in Illinois, one in Monroe County and one in Jersey County. Hours worked will be between 10-20 hours/week. Anticipated start date is March 21, 2022. The hourly rate for this position begins at $15 and may increase depending on experience.
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
- Deploy insects at sunset and collect traps at sunrise once a week
- Measure and sort insects to order and size class
- 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; mileage may be capped depending on distance from home to field sites
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 written and verbal communication skills
- Comfortable speaking with outside stakeholders, including state and federal agencies
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision and high motivation
- Attention to detail
- Willingness to be flexible and adaptive to changing protocols and when encountering problems that may arise with equipment and/or site conditions
- Interest in working with digital platforms and data management
- Ability and willingness to hike several miles while carrying 20-50 lbs. of equipment, possibly in remote areas
- Willingness to work in harsh weather (rain, heat, etc.) and at dusk/dawn
- Interest in working with a remote team and interacting over video conference platforms
We encourage anyone meeting 70% or more of the requirements to apply. Individuals interested in this position should send their resume, and a short (5-10 sentences) paragraph on why they’re the best candidate for the job.
Applications are due on Feb 21, 2022, but review of applications will begin on Feb 14, 2022, and will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority will be given to early applicants. Anticipated start date is March 21, 2022, and the position is expected to last 6-8 weeks.
