Senior Consultant, Permitted Bat Biologist, Natural Resources

Erm Company S.R.O. • Overland Park, KS

106d

About The Position

ERM is seeking an experienced Senior Consultant, Permitted Bat Biologist, Natural Resources to play a key role in growing our business in our Overland Park, KS office. The ideal candidate will have experience leading bat presence/absence mist-netting survey tasks related to renewable energy, transmission, pipelines, or other capital project developments. Applicants must have a valid USFWS Section 10 permit to conduct bat mist netting surveys in the Great Plains and Midwest. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career with ERM's experienced consulting teams in renewable energy permitting, with additional opportunities to contribute to onshore wind, electrical transmission, oil & gas, and technology infrastructure projects. As a bat biologist, you will manage bat related tasks including development of proposal scope and budgets, task management, lead field survey efforts, development of survey protocols and level of effort, in-office data analysis, report writing, and quality control. You will also be part of teams conducting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 & 10, state-level equivalent reviews, and environmental permitting for large-scale capital projects in the Great Plains, Midwest, and beyond. This position will include opportunities for both field and office work in the Heartland Region (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma) and potentially elsewhere in the United States.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in an environmental (biology, ecology, natural resources, soil science, or related field) discipline or equivalent experience.
• Master's degree in biology or related field from an accredited institution is a plus.
• 4+ years of related experience.
• USFWS Collection Permit for protected bat species.
• Experience conducting bat surveys in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and/or Oklahoma.
• Experience with bat radio telemetry and roost emergence counts.
• Familiarity with acoustic bat surveys and associated software.
• Comfortable with ArcGIS field maps and GPS-based survey equipment.
• Knowledge, understanding, and use of statistical analysis a plus.
• Experience working well both in a team setting and independently.
• Technical writing skills are necessary for this position.
• Interest in ecosystems, natural resource conservation, and environmental sustainability is essential.
• The ability to solve problems using critical thinking to independently complete tasks or in a team environment.
• A positive attitude in all working conditions is key.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including exceptional MS Office skills.
• Detailed note-taking skills.
• Understanding of policies and procedures for HSSE, including client-specific training (as required).
• Working knowledge of field sampling techniques for various bat species.
• Builds and maintains productive professional and personal networking relationships within their technical team.

Responsibilities

• Lead mist-netting and radio-telemetry surveys for protected bat species.
• Oversee acoustic bat surveys and review acoustic data.
• Perform background data and desktop site reviews.
• Submit environmental permit applications.
• Review endangered bat species resource records.
• Support GPS data collection and mapping.
• Record, enter, organize, manage, and analyze data.
• Lead and/or prepare portions of written reports, tables, spreadsheets, databases, and maps for client and regulatory agency review.
• Complete quality control review for bat data and reports.

Benefits

• Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
• ERM is an equal opportunity employer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree