Bat Acoustic Survey Technician – (1614)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for one or two (1-2) temporary, part-time, Bat Acoustic Survey Technicians in the Virginia/West Virginia area.  Most field work will occur near the Blacksburg/Christiansburg, Virginia and Sutton, West Virginia areas with driving commutes required between sites. This may be a great part-time job as work hours will typically range from 20-30 hours per week, every other week (one week on, one week off) with some variation, for the duration of the position. Applicants currently living or able to relocate near travel routes in the wider region (western VA, western MD, WV) may be well situated to join colleagues in-route to field sites.

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.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

Key Details:

• Compensation: $22.00 – $27.00/ hour, DOE
• Completion Bonus: $500.00 per year if in good standing with a clean safety record.
• Travel: A housing reimbursement will be provided for non-local hires. Travel expenses (vehicle/fuel or mileage for personal vehicle) are covered by WEST.
• Start Date: Approximately October 1, 2024
• End Date: Approximately August 31, 2026 (2-year position, shorter-term commitments may be considered)
• Location: Blacksburg/Christiansburg, Virginia or West Virginia
• Additional details: Housing reimbursement will be provided for non-local hires. 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 travel in Virginia and West Virginia working on a two-person crew to conduct acoustic surveys at proposed development projects. Duties include deployment of ultrasonic bat detectors (e.g., SM3, SM4, etc.).
• Able to work independently and in a team. Must be able to communicate and coordinate effectively with WEST supervisors, on-site client representatives, and landowners, including adhering to schedules and completing surveys.
• Work will typically range from 20-30 hours per week, every other week (one week on, one week off) for the duration of the position.
• Additional tasks/responsibilities may be added/requested as needed.

Responsibilities Include:

• Use of bat detectors, global positioning system devices, maps, compass, tablet and digital cameras as well as the ability to maintain equipment.
• Conduct field work while adhering to WEST and client fields safety requirements.
• Record field data in tablets, organize acoustic data, and organize equipment.
• Keep field vehicles clean and organized.
• Participate in WEST’s health and safety calls and adhere to WEST’s safety protocols.
• Technicians will be expected to use good judgment to stay safe and work efficiently.
• Assist field supervisors and crew leaders with various tasks (reviewing weather data, datasheets, and completing inventory of field equipment regularly).
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients and landowners.
• The 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.
• Follow instructions from project managers and field supervisors; interact effectively with coworkers and clients; maintain a positive attitude; and accept guidance and constructive criticism.

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; undergraduates or other enthusiastic workers are encouraged to apply.
• Candidates with field experience related to acoustic surveys will be given preference.
• Experience with acoustic detectors, GPS units, tablet data collection, compass, and other field equipment preferred.

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 maintain focus while driving for several hours between acoustic sites and walk up to 5 miles a day in a hot humid environment during the summer and cold/snowy/icy weather during the winter.

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. Candidates must adhere to all health and safety requirements. 

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.