Lead Bat Biologist

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a qualified state/federal permitted Bat Biologist (HR Title = Lead Biologist) to provide regional support and continued growth of our national bat biology program. While this position is ideally based in Houston, TX, we are open to candidates located anywhere in Southeastern U.S. This is a unique opportunity for someone with a strong background in bat biology, particularly with northern long eared (Myotis septentrionalis) and tri-colored (Perimyotis subflavus) bats, to advance their career within a firm that has a national footprint.

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 a variety of bat surveys across the country, working in many market sectors. As a Bat Biologist, you will oversee and manage bat acoustic and other biological survey work in the Houston area, manage and coordinate field survey crew deployments during the bat survey field seasons, and contribute to the strategic development of our bat biology program.

This regular, full-time, benefitted position offers the flexibility of hybrid or remote work to candidates located Texas or anywhere in the Gulf Coast and Southeastern U.S. subregions.

• Oversee field survey crew deployments for bat survey projects throughout the states within the Gulf Coast and Southeast US subregions, with opportunities to travel nationally for projects.
• Coordinate with our National bat biology program leads and team members to develop and implement consistent and regulatory-compliant processes to ensure the safe, efficient, and consistent execution of bat surveys for our clients, including bat acoustic data design, collection, analysis, and results interpretation.
• Coordinate and lead surveys and field data collection, processing, and analysis, primarily for bats, but occasionally for other wildlife and natural resources.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other tools to determine exact locations of project areas, potential suitable habitats, survey locations, and associated landforms.
• Drive 4WD vehicles in rugged terrain.
• Conduct habitat assessments and site characterization studies.
• Prepare study plans describing survey methodologies and survey result reports.
• Assist with Endangered Species Act compliance coordination for projects across many market sectors.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders, providing clear communication regarding bat conservation, project impacts, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Contribute to the strategic growth and development of SWCA's bat biology program.

Minimum Requirements

• Current state/USFWS permit to survey for and handle bats.
• B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of demonstrated field experience with bat species, including study design and bat acoustic data collection, processing, and analysis.
• Field experience with bat species of the Southeast USA.
• Experience leading multiple concurrent field survey crews.
• Documentation of current rabies vaccination or willingness to obtain.
• Strong note-taking and verbal and written communication skills.
• A commitment to the safety requirements of SWCA and our clients.
• A valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with northern long eared and tri-colored bats.
• Avian or other wildlife survey experience is a plus.
• Experience preparing scientific reports and environmental permitting documentation.
• Demonstrated experience with task and/or project management.

Additional Information

• Ability to conduct fieldwork for long hours including 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.
• Travel (70%+ of time) and night work may be required during the bat survey season.

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 a salary of $78,000.00 - $101,920.00 /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.

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA's continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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.

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