Senior Consultant, Permitted Bat Biologist, Natural Resources

ERM is seeking an experienced Senior Consultant, Permitted Bat Biologist, Natural Resources to play a key role in growing our business in our Charleston (WV), Indianapolis, Nashville, or Charlotte offices. The ideal candidate will have experience leading bat presence / absence mist-netting survey tasks related to renewable energy, transmission, pipelines, or other capital project developments. Applicants must have a valid USFWS Section 10 permit to conduct bat mist netting surveys in the Midwest. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career with ERM’s experienced consulting teams in renewable energy permitting, with additional opportunities to contribute to onshore wind, electrical transmission, oil & gas, and technology infrastructure projects.

As a bat biologist, you will manage bat related tasks including development of proposal scope and budgets, task management, lead field survey efforts, development of survey protocols and level of effort, in-office data analysis, report writing, and quality control. You will also be part of teams conducting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 & 10, state-level equivalent reviews, and environmental permitting for large-scale capital projects in the Great Plains, Midwest, and beyond.

This position will include opportunities for both field and office work in the Heartland Region, and potentially elsewhere in the United States.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

Lead mist-netting and radio-telemetry surveys for protected bat species.

Oversee acoustic bat surveys and review acoustic data.

Perform background data and desktop site reviews.

Submit environmental permit applications.

Review endangered bat species resource records.

Support GPS data collection and mapping.

Record, enter, organize, manage, and analyze data.

Lead and / or prepare portions written reports, tables, spreadsheets, databases, and maps for client and regulatory agency review.

Complete quality control review for bat data and reports.

REQUIREMENTS :

A bachelor’s degree in an environmental (biology, ecology, natural resources, soil science, or related field) discipline. Or equivalent experience.

Master’s degree in biology or related field from an accredited institution is a plus.

3+ years (4+ years preferred) of related experience.

USFWS Collection Permit for protected bat species.

Experience conducting bat surveys in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and / or Oklahoma.

Experience with bat radio telemetry and roost emergence counts.

Familiarity with acoustic bat surveys and associated software.

Comfortable with ArcGIS field maps and GPS-based survey equipment.

Knowledge, understanding, and use of statistical analysis a plus.

Experience working well both in a team setting and independently.

Technical writing skills are necessary for this position.

Interest in ecosystems, natural resource conservation, and environmental sustainability is essential.

The ability to solve problems using critical thinking to independently complete tasks or in a team environment.

A positive attitude in all working conditions is key.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, including exceptional MS Office skills

Detailed note-taking skills.

Understanding of policies and procedures for HSSE, including client-specific training (as required).

Working knowledge of field sampling techniques for various bat species

Builds and maintains productive professional and personal networking relationships within their technical team.

Driver's License Required : This position requires a valid driver's license and / or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area.

Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork in potentially remote areas for extended periods, including overnight travel.

Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our “boots to boardroom” approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter. Based on review of these responses, shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.