Bat Mist Net Survey Technician – (1713)

Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for a temporary full-time, Bat Mist Net Survey Technician to conduct traveling bat surveys across the northern long-eared bat, Indiana bat, and tricolored bat ranges within the U.S.

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:

• Compensation: $18.00 – $26.00 per hour, DOE
• Housing: Housing in the form of hotels and/or rental houses provided along with other travel expenses including rental vehicle, gas, and per diem are covered
• Location: Continuous travel across the US
• Start Date: Approximately May 1, 2025
• End Date: Approximately August 31, 2025

Job Summary:

The successful candidates for this position will be:

• Able to travel continuously across the U.S. working on a two-person crew to conduct mist-net surveys for targeted bat species at proposed development projects.
• Duties will include conducting mist-net surveys with a permitted bat biologist, conducting telemetry surveys of bats to roost trees and foraging areas, and performing emergence counts.
• Able to work independently and in a team, interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, clients, landowners, and other technicians, and take direction from supervisors.
• Must be able to communicate and coordinate effectively with WEST supervisors and bat biologists, including adhering to schedules and completing surveys.
• Able to travel continuously from May – August with hours per week varying depending on weather conditions with overtime provided. Estimated 40-80 hours per week.
• Ability to adhere to a flexible schedule.

Responsibilities Include:

• Use global positioning system devices, maps, compass, tablet, digital cameras, telemetry equipment (i.e., receivers and yagis) as well as the ability to maintain equipment.
• Responsibilities include mist-net surveys: Assist bat biologists with setting up mist-net sites, safety handling and processing bat species*, record data on a tablet, and follow WNS decontamination protocols.
  • *In order to handle live bats, a rabies vaccination is required before the start of field season, if not within the last two years, then a titer check will be required. WEST may assist employees with the cost of titer checks if offered the position, but not the cost of vaccination.
• Conduct field work while adhering to WEST and client field safety requirements.
• Participate in WEST weekly health and safety calls and adhere to WEST safety protocols.
• Technicians will be expected to use good judgment to stay safe and work efficiently.
• 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; working long hours, hiking in adverse conditions with small to moderate loads.
• Assist field supervisors and crew leaders with various tasks (reviewing weather data, datasheets, and completing inventory of field equipment regularly).
• Follow instructions from project managers and field supervisors and crew leaders; 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.

Job Requirements

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 mist-netting or bat handling will be given preference.
• Experience with acoustic detectors, telemetry, 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 challenging, difficult, and uncomfortable.
• Field work will entail hiking to mist-net sites with up to 30-50 pounds of field equipment in varying terrain, sometimes in inclement conditions. Mist-net work will be conducted at night.
• Must be able to walk from 10-15 miles a day in a hot humid environment.

Additional details: Vehicles will be provided for work completion or mileage reimbursed. Mist-net equipment including associated gear, GPS units, compass, camera, electronics for data entry (e.g., phone, tablet and/or laptop) will be provided by WEST. Candidates must be equipped with and provide their own sturdy hiking shoes, backpack, clothing, water bottles, bat handling gloves, head lamp, etc. Training will be provided for survey efforts and job-related activities.

After an offer of employment is made, the candidate must successfully pass a pre-employment background check, drug and alcohol 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.