NABat Acoustic Technican – Northern Great Plains National Park Units

The Wyoming Natural Diversity Database is hiring one technician to conduct bat acoustic surveys across National Park Service Units in the Northern Great Plains Inventory and Monitoring Network. Specifically, acoustic deployments are maintained at Badlands National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Missouri National Recreation River, Niobrara National Scenic River, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and Wind Cave National Park, which are spread out across Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Monitoring at these Units will follow the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat).

The technician will work independently placing acoustic monitoring equipment to record bats at pre-defined sites throughout these Units. Additionally, a subset of Park Service Units will require mobile road surveys conducted at night.  The job will involve extensive driving, hiking, and navigating in rugged and remote region. Self-reliance and problem-solving is a must. Work will involve placing acoustic detectors and running mobile detector units during days, late evenings/nights, and weekends. Attention to detail, time management skills, and understanding or willingness to learn and adhere to NABat protocols are a must. Although WYNDD is located in Laramie, WY, the technician will spend the majority of their time at Park Service Units across the region and will be based more often out of Rapid City, SD. Car camping will be required for the majority of the summer with hotels provided on days off.

Compensation for initial relocation to the duty station is not covered. A field vehicle is provided and all travel expenses between field sites are covered by the employer. Per diem is provided on travel/work days.

Schedule works well for students between semesters, but nontraditional/non-students are also encouraged to apply. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Deploying acoustic monitoring equipment.
• Conducting mobile acoustic survey routes.
• Strict adherence to the NABat protocol.
• Coordinating with private landowners and Park Service and other land management agency personnel.
• Safely and efficiently navigate and hike to survey locations.
  Carry a heavy pack with acoustic equipment 30-50 pounds
• Comfort operating independently and camping solo for weeks at a time
• Managing large quantities of data without data loss

Qualifications:

• Experience with the deployment of Wildlife Acoustics acoustic monitoring equipment OR ability and willingness to learn is required.
• The most important qualification for this position is the ability to work and camp independently in remote and challenging field conditions.
• The successful applicant must also display the ability to independently complete a logistically complex project and the ability to communicate effectively with Park Service employees across the region.
• A valid US driver’s license and a strong work ethic are also required.

Please address all of these qualifications as well as your dates of availability in your cover letter.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to independently complete a logistically complex project
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with Park Service employees, conservation officers, and other collaborators.
• A valid US driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle following University of Wyoming regulations.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with the deployment of Songmeter or other acoustic monitoring equipment or ability and willingness to learn

Pay: $18—21/hourly DOE+ per diem while conducting field work (a work vehicle and hotels for days off are provided)