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 approximately two seasonal Video and Acoustic Technicians to join our research team from approximately early June through early October of 2021. Potential for extending employment after October 2021 as remote staff.  

The technicians will be responsible for deploying and maintaining thermal video cameras and acoustic detectors in the field, organizing and managing video and acoustic files, and use of advanced video analysis software (2-D and 3-D) to post-process video files using established protocols. Other responsibilities are listed below.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

• Deploy, maintain, and, if necessary, troubleshoot video and acoustic equipment in a field setting
• Download, review, and format video and acoustic data
• Coordinate acoustic and video data collection with members of a research team
• Tabulate and manage large volumes of imagery data
• Transfer data and communicate effectively with remote staff
• Collect detailed field measurements necessary for 3-D calibration
• Analyze, review, and interpret thermal video data using established 2-D and 3-D video techniques
• Regularly submit progress reports

The salary for this position is $15/hour, plus housing, utilities, internet, and vehicles provided through early October. BCI will provide work computers, hardware, and software for the duration of employment. The technicians must possess a valid Driver’s License. This position will be located at a wind energy facility in southwest Iowa, with potential opportunity to work remotely, particularly after field season concludes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor’s degree (preferred degree in biology, ecology, wildlife management or a related discipline)
• 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.) during atypical hours
• Experience deploying, managing, and troubleshooting video and/or acoustic equipment
• Preferred experience working with video imagery and analysis software (e.g., Matlab)
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Strong organization skills
• Good attention to detail
• Strong technological knowledge
• Ability to work with minimal supervision 
• Live and work well with a diverse research team

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.