Bat Surveyor/Environmental Scientist

KJ CONSULTING & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LLC•Keene, NH

10d•$65,000 - $113,000

About The Position

KJ Consulting and Environmental Services is seeking a responsible, detail-oriented Qualified Bat Surveyor / Environmental Scientist to perform work in its environmental division. The position focuses on threatened and endangered bat habitat assessments, surveys, and regulatory agency coordination. Work includes field surveys, habitat evaluation, data collection and analysis, technical reporting, permitting, mitigation planning, project management, and public engagement. The role involves collaboration with government agencies, developers, energy companies, conservation organizations, and cross-functional project teams. The position includes office and field work, with travel to sites such as forests, wetlands, caves, mine openings, structures, and other bat habitats. Field conditions may involve variable weather, difficult terrain, work at night, long or irregular hours when needed, remote locations, wetland and stream areas, obstacles, and traffic. The position requires lifting up to 50 pounds and carrying equipment. Salary is commensurate with experience; the posting lists ranges of $65,000–$98,500 for 2–4 years of experience and $75,000–$113,000 for 5 or more years.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife, Environmental Sciences, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Registration as a Qualified Bat Surveyor by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the US Fish and Wildlife Service Pennsylvania field office.
Current or recent Pennsylvania Game Commission permit authorizing handling or surveys for state- or federally listed bats.
At least 2 years of experience in field studies, data collection, and bat surveys related to Indiana bats, northern long-eared bats, and tricolored bats.
Experience with the National Environmental Policy Act and the Federal Endangered Species Act, and experience in environmental consulting or a related industry.
Expertise in species identification, habitat evaluation, regulatory knowledge, and field work.
Ability to identify bats, both live and through calls.
Experience using bat survey equipment, including acoustic detectors, mist nets, and traps.
Knowledge of state and federal bat species, their habitats, assessment methods, and conservation status.
Ability to organize, write, and edit effective technical reports and permit applications; strong technical writing and quality assurance/quality control skills.
Experience conducting project planning and permitting meetings, including agency meetings.
Experience with procedures and regulations of PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Experience with project management, data management, and report preparation.
Attention to detail in following field protocols, collecting and entering data, and generating data of known quality with appropriate field notes.
Strong observational, communication, problem-solving, organizational, time-management, and critical-thinking skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and complete tasks in a timely manner within communicated budgets.
Ability to work outdoors in difficult field conditions, including variable weather, difficult terrain, physically demanding circumstances at night, long and irregular hours when needed, and unsupervised remote field conditions.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Valid driver’s license and own transportation to field sites.
Ability to lift 50 pounds, carry equipment, work in wetland and stream areas, maneuver around obstacles, and work in the presence of traffic.
Must follow company and client safety rules and practices and remain safety conscious.

Nice To Haves

Prior consulting-industry experience serving public, state, federal, or oil and gas industry clients.

Responsibilities

Perform and supervise threatened and endangered bat habitat assessments, surveys, and regulatory agency coordination.
Prepare summary documentation and detailed reports of bat studies and surveys, and coordinate or consult with the appropriate USFWS field office and state wildlife agency.
Comply with federal, state, and local regulations and applicable bat survey guidelines and permit requirements.
Perform technical work, desktop analysis, initial field reconnaissance, and technical report drafting.
Travel to field sites to collect data and conduct surveys in forests, wetlands, caves, mine openings, structures, and other bat habitats.
Collaborate with government agencies, developers, energy companies, conservation organizations, and cross-functional teams.
Identify and evaluate suitable habitats, including roosting and foraging sites, for different bat species.
Identify bat species using visual, manual, acoustic, and trapping methods; conduct acoustic surveys and trapping surveys with appropriate equipment and record handling and biometric information where applicable.
Advise on measures to minimize project impacts on bat colonies and coordinate with agencies to avoid project approval delays.
Conduct bat-use assessments and surveys on transportation structures in accordance with Pennsylvania guidance.
Utilize project data and provide analysis across multiple projects; interpret tables, graphs, data, and figures.
Prepare deliverables, including reports, work plans, environmental impact and research reports, and permit application materials.
Communicate findings to industry, government, and the general public; develop and maintain effective relationships with agencies, groups, individuals, and the public.
Assist with state and federal permit application packages and coordinate acquisition of permit authorizations.
Prepare documentation in response to requests for proposals or statements of interest.
Use computers to store, process, and analyze data.
Complete assigned tasks on time and within the budget communicated by the manager; perform additional responsibilities as needed to meet project or company goals.
Work safely in office and field settings, follow company and client safety rules, and comply with company policies and procedures.