Bat Conservation International (BCI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of bats and their habitats in America and around the world, seeks 3 seasonal Crew Leaders to join our research team from approximately early June through early October in 2021. This is a great opportunity for those interested in gaining hands-on experience in scientific research.

The crew leaders will be responsible for supervising approximately five field technicians conducting bat and bird fatality searches beneath wind turbines. Other responsibilities are listed below.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

• Supervise field crews conducting standardized searches for bat and bird carcasses beneath wind turbines
• Identify bird and bat fatalities to species
• Conduct field bias trials
• Quantify habitat characteristics
• Enter and manage datasets
• Communicate effectively with wind energy facility staff
• Gain experience with deploying ultrasonic detectors and thermal cameras, including 3-D thermal videography, and analyzing these datasets

The salary for this position is $15/hour plus housing, utilities, internet, and vehicles provided. The Crew leaders must possess a valid Driver’s License. This position will be located at a wind energy facility in southwest Iowa.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, wildlife management or a related discipline
• Be able to identify local bat species
• Be willing and capable of conducting field work in moderately rugged terrain under physically demanding conditions (e.g., hot temperatures, venomous snakes, biting insects, etc.) and work atypical hours
• Experience as a supervisor
• Be willing to live and work well with a diverse research team
• Have previous field work experience
• Experience supervising technicians in the field
• Experience identifying midwestern bird species
• Strong organization skills
• Good attention to detail
• Strong technological knowledge
• Ability to work with minimal supervision 
• Live and work well with a research team

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

WORK CHARACTERISTICS AND COMPETENCIES:

Individuals interested in this position should send their resume, cover letter, and three references. The positions will be open until filled. Interviews will begin immediately with an anticipated early June start date. A Covid-19 Mitigation Plan will be developed for this project to reduce risk to field crew. Bat Conservation International is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce and committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community.