Permitted Bat Biologist

Tetra Tech is looking for a U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Permitted Bat Biologist for a part-time project-based position. You will be responsible for leading a team conducting presence/absence surveys for bat species using acoustic and mist-net equipment and preparing technical environmental reports. Candidates must have direct work experience in surveying for Threatened and Endangered (T&E) bat species and preparing permit applications for compliance under the Endangered Species Act. The candidate should be physically able to complete strenuous fieldwork to support T&E species surveys.

Discover your full potential. At Tetra Tech, we are collaborating with industry-leading experts for a sustainable future for our world. We combine consulting and engineering with advanced analytics and technology to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our innovation hubs across the globe will enable you to share ideas and best practices while growing your professional network. Wherever you are in your career journey, you will benefit from working with world-class engineers, scientists, and technical specialists.

Apply today and join the company that is Leading with Science®.

Responsibilities:  
•    Lead T&E bat species surveys and permitting in accordance with State and Federal regulations.
•    Assist in the development of proposals and cost estimates.
•    Use Global Positioning System (GPS) to document points or stake features in the field.
•    Mentor staff and provide technical T&E survey guidance.
•    Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements:  
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  Included in this section are licenses, certificates, and registrations.

•    Experience conducting T&E bat surveys with acoustic equipment 
•    Experience conducting T&E bat surveys with mist-net preferred but not required
•    USFWS Recovery Permit or be eligible to obtain one
•    Experience with reviewing acoustic data 
•    Capable of extensive fieldwork.
•    Strong oral and written communication skills.
•    Must possess a valid driver’s license in good standing. 

This position requires the employee to be a U.S. Citizen due to the projects they will be working on

Education & Experience:  
•    A Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field is required, Master’s Degree is preferred.  
•    At least 2 years of experience in natural resources, environmental consulting, or a nexus industry.
•    Professional certifications are desired, but not required.
•    Candidates must have direct work experience conducting T&E bat surveys to be considered, Florida species preferred.  
•    The candidate must have the ability to demonstrate good knowledge of T&E bat species in the Southeast including regulations, conservation biology,  and/or habitat management practices.  
•    GIS/database/statistical experience in the environmental fields is a plus; however, Tetra Tech has GIS and CADD staff available to prepare the required mapping.

Physical Demands: 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and perform field investigation activities that could potentially require the following: performing strenuous fieldwork under a variety of site and weather conditions; standing, crouching, and sitting to facilitate collecting site information; negotiating difficult terrain for extended periods of time performing field surveys, lifting and/or carrying field equipment and other items weighing up to 40 pounds; and potential exposure to natural hazards (e.g., poison ivy). Must be able to perform and maintain rigorous detailed documentation of field activities. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment: 
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee will be required to travel via air or land. The employee may be required to conduct site visits and field activities at places and times where exposure to outdoor weather conditions is part of the working environment.  The employee may also be required to work in environments where toxic fumes or chemicals are present. Overnight travel may be required in Florida and the southeast United States for periods of up to 5 days. Travel for longer periods and other US locations are also possible.

Language & Communication Skills: 
The ability to read, interpret and understand a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form is required.  A mastery of the English language appropriate for both interpretation of written and oral instructions from numerous sources and explanation of findings is required. The ability to prepare and write detailed site assessment notes and technical reports.

Mathematical Skills:  Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Other Skills:  
Proficiency with GPS, GIS software programs, and office software including MS Office Suite, Adobe, and other desktop publishing software packages as required to prepare the required documents associated with this technical discipline.