Bat Acoustic Ecologist – Full Time
Biodiversity Research Institute
Portland, Maine
Who We Are:
Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) is a well-established and growing 501(c)3 research organization. For the past 25 years we have completed hundreds of wildlife research, monitoring and conservation projects across the US and in over 30 countries. We are known for our scientific integrity and abilities that result with our field and analytical teams regularly and seamlessly working with both governmental regulatory agencies and industry. BRI has prioritized the advancement of natural resource sciences in response to pressing ecological threats such as contaminants, habitat loss, and climate change, as well as the growing need for renewable energy development. We have consciously cultivated our expertise and resources to develop innovative study designs, achieve more precise analysis, and maintain objective and informative interpretations that are acceptable to governmental regulators and other clients. In doing so, we have become a leading global provider of sound environmental assessments. BRI scientists have extensive experience collecting field data and providing quantifiable understanding for several major sectors related to regulatory needs.
In response to these major sector needs, BRI has four Science Research Centers of Excellence: 1) Conservation and Climate Change, 2) Mercury Studies, 3) Offshore Wind and the Environment, and 4) Waterbirds. Our interdisciplinary teams work with national and international collaborators, government agencies, private industries, and NGOs on terrestrial, aquatic, and marine projects that tackle conservation issues worldwide.
What We Need:
BRI is seeking a full-time, mid-level ecologist to work with increasing needs focused on wildlife acoustics data that is collected in association with projects related to offshore wind on the Atlantic Coast and biodiversity surveys in Africa and the US. The Bat Acoustic Ecologist will work in BRI's new Wildlife Remote Acoustic and Imagery Lab. The position is primarily office-based and will work with program directors in developing and implementing their acoustic monitoring projects, including in offshore wind, and terrestrial projects in the US and overseas. Applicants with additional relevant skills (e.g., experience in Africa and/or with non-bat acoustics, data management, etc.) will receive top consideration. Applicants will:
· Lead in the collection, processing and analysis of acoustic data from bat surveys in Kaleidoscope Pro and/or Sonobat;
· Assist with mist-netting and radio-tracking activities with BRI’s bat capture team;
· Lead proposal and report writing for bat-related studies to be delivered to clients and regulatory agencies;
· Develop study plans for the testing, calibration, and deployment of acoustic recording equipment in a range of environments;
· Update and develop Standard Operating Procedures for acoustic processing;
· Assist with identifying acoustics from Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia;
· Initiate and develop acoustic library for African bat species;
· Oversee management of acoustic databases of current and previous projects;
· Publish conservation research in reports and peer-reviewed journals;
· Be familiar with and ensure adherence to the USFWS range-wide Indiana Bat and Northern Long-eared Bat Survey Guidelines;
· Train and mentor team members in acoustic processing;
· Work both independently and in teams;
· Conduct other duties as directed or assigned, such as wetland delineation and vernal pool surveys.
BRI is seeking a full-time, mid-level ecologist to work with increasing needs focused on wildlife acoustics data that is collected in association with projects related to offshore wind on the Atlantic Coast and biodiversity surveys in Africa and the US. The Bat Acoustic Ecologist will work in BRI's new Wildlife Remote Acoustic and Imagery Lab. The position is primarily office-based and will work with program directors in developing and implementing their acoustic monitoring projects, including in offshore wind, and terrestrial projects in the US and overseas. Applicants with additional relevant skills (e.g., experience in Africa and/or with non-bat acoustics, data management, etc.) will receive top consideration. Applicants will:
· Lead in the collection, processing and analysis of acoustic data from bat surveys in Kaleidoscope Pro and/or Sonobat;
· Assist with mist-netting and radio-tracking activities with BRI’s bat capture team;
· Lead proposal and report writing for bat-related studies to be delivered to clients and regulatory agencies;
· Develop study plans for the testing, calibration, and deployment of acoustic recording equipment in a range of environments;
· Update and develop Standard Operating Procedures for acoustic processing;
· Assist with identifying acoustics from Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia;
· Initiate and develop acoustic library for African bat species;
· Oversee management of acoustic databases of current and previous projects;
· Publish conservation research in reports and peer-reviewed journals;
· Be familiar with and ensure adherence to the USFWS range-wide Indiana Bat and Northern Long-eared Bat Survey Guidelines;
· Train and mentor team members in acoustic processing;
· Work both independently and in teams;
· Conduct other duties as directed or assigned, such as wetland delineation and vernal pool surveys.
Term of Position
· This is a full-time position and will be located in Portland, Maine.
· This is a full-time position and will be located in Portland, Maine.
Required Qualifications
· Master's in Ecology, Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or equivalent field or equivalent field preferred;
· >5 years of acoustic vetting experience of North American bat species (can include graduate research);
· Proficiency in Kaleidoscope Pro, Sonobat, or other acoustic software analysis packages;
· Skilled in deployment and maintenance of bat acoustic detectors;
· Demonstrate a high level of organization, attention to detail, initiative, and oral and written communication skills;
· Good interpersonal skills to engage with a variety of stakeholders and collaborators;
· Strong interest in working in wildlife conservation and research with public and private entities;
· Willingness to learn new skills;
· Able to work legally in the US or obtain a work permit in a reasonable time frame.
· A valid driver’s license as well as proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
· Master's in Ecology, Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or equivalent field or equivalent field preferred;
· >5 years of acoustic vetting experience of North American bat species (can include graduate research);
· Proficiency in Kaleidoscope Pro, Sonobat, or other acoustic software analysis packages;
· Skilled in deployment and maintenance of bat acoustic detectors;
· Demonstrate a high level of organization, attention to detail, initiative, and oral and written communication skills;
· Good interpersonal skills to engage with a variety of stakeholders and collaborators;
· Strong interest in working in wildlife conservation and research with public and private entities;
· Willingness to learn new skills;
· Able to work legally in the US or obtain a work permit in a reasonable time frame.
· A valid driver’s license as well as proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
Preferred Qualifications
· USFWS permit for acoustic vetting of Indiana, Gray, and Northern long-eared bats;
· Experience working outside of the US, particularly in Africa;
· A strong publication record;
· Experience mentoring others;
· Experience analyzing sound data from other taxa;
· Proficiency with GIS and coding languages such as Python or R;
· Willingness to travel overnight and perhaps overseas (all travel expenses are covered)
Compensation and Employee Benefits:
BRI is committed to salary equity and our goal is to meet federal Grade-Step (GS) levels that align with years of education and experience. refer to the GS pay scale as an approximate guide for the Northeast Region. BRI offers a fully paid employee health insurance premium, optional dependent coverage, dental, LTD, life insurance, 401k with match, and generous paid PTO and holidays. Costs associated with work travel are reimbursed. Ultimately, BRI’s benefits package, workplace flexibility, international travel options, professional development opportunities, and ability for vertical movement within the organization create an unparalleled workplace culture. BRI is a member of the United Nations Global Compact and as such meets DEI interests in the US.
· USFWS permit for acoustic vetting of Indiana, Gray, and Northern long-eared bats;
· Experience working outside of the US, particularly in Africa;
· A strong publication record;
· Experience mentoring others;
· Experience analyzing sound data from other taxa;
· Proficiency with GIS and coding languages such as Python or R;
· Willingness to travel overnight and perhaps overseas (all travel expenses are covered)
Compensation and Employee Benefits:
BRI is committed to salary equity and our goal is to meet federal Grade-Step (GS) levels that align with years of education and experience. refer to the GS pay scale as an approximate guide for the Northeast Region. BRI offers a fully paid employee health insurance premium, optional dependent coverage, dental, LTD, life insurance, 401k with match, and generous paid PTO and holidays. Costs associated with work travel are reimbursed. Ultimately, BRI’s benefits package, workplace flexibility, international travel options, professional development opportunities, and ability for vertical movement within the organization create an unparalleled workplace culture. BRI is a member of the United Nations Global Compact and as such meets DEI interests in the US.
Contact
Applications should be sent to jobs@briloon.org or mail to Biodiversity Resource Institute, Attn: Human Resources (MPFC), 276 Canco Rd., Portland, ME 04103
Applications should be sent to jobs@briloon.org or mail to Biodiversity Resource Institute, Attn: Human Resources (MPFC), 276 Canco Rd., Portland, ME 04103
All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status
276 Canco Road, Portland, ME 04103, 207.839.7600. www.briwildlife.org