Project Biologist - Bats

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Project Biologist – Bats to take a leadership role in our growing bat biology program. SWCA’s purpose is to preserve natural and cultural resources for tomorrow while enabling projects that benefit people today, and our bat biology program is a critical component of fulfilling that purpose. Our team performs several types of bat surveys throughout the country with work in many market sectors.

This position is for a leadership role, managing bat acoustic and other biological survey work in the Houston, Texas area. You will oversee crew deployment during the field season and assist with providing strategic development of the program. If you’re proud of your bat survey experience and are looking to take the next step up in your career, this is your opportunity! Our Bat Biologist role is your chance to establish yourself in a firm with a national footprint and to accelerate your career growth.

This is a regular (with benefits), full time, salaried position.  Candidates local to the Houston Texas area with familiarity with SE USA fauna are strongly preferred.

What you will accomplish

• Oversee field survey crew deployment for bat survey projects throughout Texas and potentially neighboring states.
• Develop and implement processes to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent execution of bat surveys for our client, including bat acoustic data collection
• Conduct surveys and field data collection, processing, and analysis, primarily for bats, but occasionally for other wildlife natural resources
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, and associated landforms
• Drive 4WD vehicles in rugged terrain
• Conduct habitat assessments and site characterization studies
• Prepare reports and study plans describing survey methodologies and results
• Assist with Endangered Species Act compliance coordination

Experience and qualifications for success

• Minimum of B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field
• Demonstrated field experience with bat species of three (3) years, including study design and bat acoustic data collection, processing, and analysis
• Five (5) years of relevant natural resources experience
• Experience working with multiple field survey crews
• Documentation of current rabies vaccination is required
• Ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours in inclement weather conditions
• Ability to walk up to 10 miles per day, often in rugged terrain. May have to carry equipment and/or supplies, weighing up to 40 pounds
• Extensive travel and night work may be required during the summer months. This is a leadership role in the program, and the intention is to create a balance of office and field work, but travel may be required depending on the overall workload and schedule.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of three to seven years of relevant natural resources experience, especially with bats.
• Hold current USFWS permits for bat work.
• Demonstrated field experience with bat species of the Southeast USA.
• Experience with avian or other wildlife surveys a plus.
• Experience preparing scientific reports and environmental permitting documentation.
• Demonstrated experience with task and/or project management.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees.  In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Houston, TX-based position can expect an annual pay rate of $72,072 - $92,820/year.. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply

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