Bat Acoustic Survey Crew Leader – (1712)

Western EcoSystems Technology (WEST) is seeking a temporary full-time Bat Acoustic Survey Crew Leader in Bloomington, IN, from May to August 2025. The role involves conducting acoustic surveys for specific bat species, managing a two-person crew, and maintaining communication with supervisors and clients. Candidates should have supervisory experience, be well-organized, and able to travel extensively across the U.S. Compensation ranges from $22 to $26 per hour, with travel expenses covered.
Job Description

Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for a temporary full-time, Bat Acoustic Survey Crew Leader.

 

WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data. Since its founding in 1990, the WEST team has shaped the foundation of what we do, and what we believe in through our core values and key principles. Our work matters to our clients, communities, and the environment. Join WEST and discover a company of passionate, committed, and highly motivated individuals.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

Key Details:
• Compensation: $22.00 – $26.00 per hour, DOE
• Housing: Housing in the form of hotels and/or rental houses provided along with other travel expenses including rental vehicle, gas, and per diem are covered
• Location: Continuous travel across the US
• Start Date: Approximately May 1, 2025
• End Date: Approximately August 31, 2025

Job Summary:

The successful candidates for this position will be:
• Able to conduct presence absence acoustic surveys (e.g. deployment of ultrasonic bat detectors: Wildlife Acoustics SM4, etc.) on targeted bat species in various locations and habitats.
• Able to work independently and in a team. Must be able to communicate and coordinate effectively with WEST supervisors, including adhering to schedules and providing routine summaries of survey efforts.
• Able to interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, clients, landowners, and technicians, and take direction from supervisors.
• Well-organized, with the ability to electronically track and maintain data across multiple projects.
• Experienced supervisors and be skilled in managing multiple technicians, delegating tasks, and completing surveys in a timely manner.
• Able to travel continuously from May – August with hours per week varying depending on weather conditions with overtime provided. Estimated 40-80 hours per week.
• Ability to adhere to a flexible schedule.

Responsibilities Include:
• Communicate with technicians and WEST supervisors requiring the consistent use of phone/text and email, including availability when crews are working (early mornings and late evening).
• Travel across the US while leading a two-person crew to conduct acoustic surveys for Indiana bats, northern long-eared bats, and tricolored bats at proposed development projects.
• Use of global positioning system devices, maps, compasses, tablet, and digital cameras as well as the ability to maintain equipment.
• Carefully manage acoustic data, datasheets, and equipment during the field season.
• Participate in WEST weekly health and safety calls and adhere to WEST safety protocols.
• Crew leaders will be expected to use good judgment to stay safe and work efficiently and maintain safe working conditions for crew members.
• Keep field vehicles clean and organized.
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, biologists, technicians, clients, and landowners.
• Job requires the person filling this position to be able to appear for work on time; work long hours; hike in adverse conditions with small to moderate loads.

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of all the duties which may be associated with this position.

Job Requirements

Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an equivalent degree preferred.
• Candidates with previous in-field experience with acoustic surveys and/or field supervisor / coordinator experience will be given preference.
• Experience with acoustic detectors, GPS units, tablet data collection, compass, and other field equipment preferred.
• Candidates must be organized, and able to collect and manage data on a tablet, including implementing quality control measures.
• Candidates must have clear communication skills and be comfortable working with a variety of people.

Physical Requirements:
• Applicants must be in good physical shape, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be challenging, difficult, and uncomfortable.
• Field work will entail hiking to acoustic survey sites with up to 30 pounds of field equipment in varying terrain, sometimes in inclement conditions.
• Must be able to walk an average of 10 miles a day in a hot humid environment.

Additional details: Vehicles will be provided for work completion or mileage reimbursed. Bat detectors including associated gear, GPS units, compass, camera, electronics for data entry (e.g., phone, laptop and/or tablet) will be provided by WEST. Candidates must be equipped with and provide their own sturdy hiking shoes, backpack, clothing, water bottles, etc. Training will be provided for survey efforts and job related activities.

After an offer of employment is made, the candidate must successfully pass a pre-employment background check, drug and alcohol screening, and a DMV records check that meets WEST’s minimum criteria to operate a motor vehicle on behalf of the company. A valid driver’s license will be required. Candidates must adhere to all health and safety requirements.

WEST provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, genetics, and any protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Further, WEST takes affirmative action to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly, and without discrimination, for recruitment, selection, advancement and every other term and privilege associated with employment.