Bat Acoustic Survey Field Technician

Application Deadline: 02/28/2024

Starting date: mid-May 2024

Hours per Week: 40

Salary: $13/hr

Housing: Provided at no cost to the recipient

Education Required: Some undergraduate

Location: Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (TN & KY)

Description:

The Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University in association with the South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is seeking 1 field technician to assist during the summer 2024 field season. The technician will be responsible for deploying stationary bat acoustic recorders, assisting with backing up, processing, and data entry of acoustic output, and vegetation/habitat surveys. Long-distance travel with unpredictable hours will be expected.

About the project:

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (BISO) provides habitat for 12 bat species. Three of the 12 species are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. BISO currently manages 41 fields (265 acres) for wildlife, cultural resources, exotic plant control, and rare plants. Open areas such as fields are important bat foraging areas and many at-risk bat species utilize fields. This data will be used to determine 1) which bat species utilize fields for foraging, 2) the effects of field size and shape on use, and 3) the effects of past management and vegetative characteristics on the activity of each species.

Qualifications:

Must be working towards or have obtained a bachelor’s degree and have an interest in ecology, environmental science, natural resources, or a related field. Must have experience conducting fieldwork in an ecology-related field. Candidate must have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable driving 4WD vehicles for long distances.