Natural Resources Professional - Wildlife

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

9d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Natural Resources Professional to join the Natural Resources Management Team at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This person will conduct activities assigned to the ORNL Natural Resources Management Team (NRMT) by DOE throughout the 32,000-acre Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR). Main tasks will include collecting and analyzing bat data, assessment of bat habitat, and providing guidance on protection of T&E species. Additional responsibilities may include assisting other team members with work on ecosystem management, wildlife surveys, nuisance wildlife trapping, responding to calls to remove wildlife from buildings, etc. More information about NRMT can be found at nerp.ornl.gov.

Requirements

A BS degree in Wildlife, Zoology, Natural Resources Management, Ecology, or a related field.
A minimum of 5 years of field experience collecting and analyzing bat related data.
In-depth knowledge of East Tennessee bat species, their habitat requirements, management best practices, and applicable regulations.
Proficiency in bat call identification using acoustic analysis software (e.g., Kaleidoscope or SonoBat).
Familiarity with bat survey methods, including mist-netting, harp-trapping, ground telemetry, roost surveys, hibernacula surveys, bridge/culvert surveys, and/or cave surveys.
Ability to carry and deploy bat acoustic monitors and related field survey equipment and perform fieldwork across diverse landscapes, including ridges, valleys, wetlands, and dense forest understories within the ORR.
Experience handling bats, correctly identifying and documenting them (including state and federally listed species), and conducting fieldwork safely and ethically.
Experience entering project information into IPaC, and consulting with USFWS on Biological Assessments and regulatory documents.
Candidates must be vaccinated against rabies and tetanus or must be willing to obtain these vaccines (provided at company expense).

Nice To Haves

Experience or willingness to learn American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-approved euthanasia techniques for injured animals or rabies vectors.
Proficient in GPS data collection and ArcGIS.
Experience performing stream and wetland determinations.
Experience with herbicide application, prescribed burns, chainsaws and/or other habitat management tools.
Experience in wildlife surveys, plant identification, forestry, habitat management, electrofishing, and other skills related to natural resources management.
Ability to obtain Q-clearance.
Experience and ability to survey vertical caves and/or vertical rope certified.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Responsibilities

Collect and analyze data on ORR bat species and their habitat to a) contribute to the ORR wildlife database, b) assess impacts associated with DOE-related activities, and c) support ongoing and proposed research projects.
Review proposed land use changes for potential impacts on bat species and their habitats.
Possess or have the ability to obtain a scientific collection permit for federally endangered bat species through United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USWFS).
Provide input for regulatory documents to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This may include internal compliance forms, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA),documentation, and interaction with state/federal agencies (TDEC, TWRA, USFWS).
Contribute to technical reports, management plans, and research manuscripts.
Remove wildlife, particularly bats, from buildings while adhering to humane handling protocols.
Support bat population health and diversity through habitat management efforts.
Coordinate with other ORNL Natural Resources Management Program subject matter experts (forester, wildlife coordinator, botanist, and entomologist) and other on-site experts working toward maintaining a successful integrated natural resources management program for the ORR.
Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.