Overview

Tetra Tech’s commitment to hiring the best talent in the industry and helping them thrive professionally is stronger than ever. We are currently seeking a qualified Bat Biologist for our Portland, Maine office location to support projects across the country. The position involves providing strategic task management, technical direction and consulting, and scientific support to various projects involving bat species and habitats. 

These projects generally emphasize land use or natural resources development-related environmental impact analysis, management planning, and regulatory compliance. Effects on bat species and habitats resulting from renewable energy (i.e., wind and solar) and linear infrastructure (i.e., transmission and pipelines) developments are of specific interest. Studies and analyses supporting projects involving Indiana bats and northern long-eared bats, baseline acoustical monitoring, and Habitat Conservation Plans are prominent.

Responsibilities:

• Field investigations and ecological assessments (including study design and implementation, data collection and statistical analysis, interpretation, conclusions and recommendations).
• Technical review and coordination (i.e., information synthesis and interpretation, assurance of quality of work processes and products).
• Wildlife-related environmental impacts analysis, regulatory compliance/permitting, and client and agency contacts
• Project development (i.e., work scopes, proposals and costs).

Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in applicable field (bat biology/ecology, biological science, natural resources or wildlife management, or a closely related discipline).
• Strong technical skills in field ecology methods and acoustic data analysis.
• A minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in wildlife ecology and management.
• A minimum of 2 years of technical experience in the evaluation of land use or resource development effects on wildlife species and habitats, especially bats.  
• Strong skills in report writing and editing, interpersonal communication and oral presentation, and organization and planning.
• Ability to act independently with minimal supervision, handle multiple tasks, and produce high-quality work under tight deadlines.
• A commitment to quality management, continuous improvement, and client satisfaction.

Experience in the Following Areas is Desired:

• Biological science (including T/E species and species-habitat relationships) and ecological assessment.
• Species-habitat conservation planning and natural/biological resources management.
• Bat surveys: including hibernacula surveys, acoustic surveys with zero-crossing and full spectrum detectors, and mist netting (USFWS endangered species capture permit or qualified surveyor status a plus).
• Bat acoustic analysis with Kaleidoscope Pro and Sonobat.
• An ability to review, synthesize, and interpret natural/biological resources information.
• A working knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations for regulatory compliance/permitting and experience with ESA.
• A background in environmental consulting industry (or combination of agency/consulting or academic/consulting).
• A record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentation of research results at scientific meetings.
• Statistical analyses and modelling, including developing code driven scripts using R, python, etc.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet fast-paced demands and the cyclical and deadline-driven nature of consulting.
• Proficiency with the MS Office suite of tools and software.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Has ability to perform bending, kneeling, standing, and lifting and carrying objects weighing 35 lbs. and have a tolerance for working in outdoor environments, including prolonged walking or standing on various terrain in a wide range of weather conditions.
• Performs manual labor including excavation with shovels. 
• Availability to work extended field rotations (sometimes 10-12 days at a time).