Laramie, WY / Camp Guernsey, WY

Job Title: Bat Research Technician 

Organization: University of Wyoming 

Location: Laramie, WY

Research Locations: Camp Guernsey, WY

Bats are an integral component in many ecosystems, providing valuable services such as agricultural pest control, pollination and seed dispersal, and human pest determent. Currently, numerous bat species in temperate North America are suffering from declining populations due to the reduction of roost sites and foraging potential from habitat loss, wind energy development, climate change and the introduction of disease. Although some information is known about critical habitats and the behavior of various bat species in the eastern region of the continent, much less is known about the general ecology and habitat needs of bats in western North America. Therefore, conservation efforts targeting bats in the West often lack the information necessary for making optimal management decisions and are typically modeled after eastern bat species.

The Bernard Lab is recruiting a research technician to assist on a project to capture and radio track Myotis septentrionalis, Myotis lucifugus, and Perimyotis subflavus to answer a variety of questions that will aid in the conservation and management of three SGCN species within Wyoming. The specific goals of the project are to 1) determine if the three species use habitat on Camp Guernsey Joint Military Base (Wyoming, USA), 2) locate and characterize roosts sites used by the three focal species, and 3) characterize habitat within the Base’s boundary to determine important habitat and microclimate components that may influence roost selection in the region (i.e., habitat assessment).

The technician will be conducting research on Camp Guernsey Joint Military Base. Lodging will be provided via camping at nearby state parks or national forest land or on Camp Guernsey Joint Military Base. The project is funded by the Wyoming Military Department and the technician will have opportunities to interact with biologists from Wyoming Game and Fish and the Wyoming Military Department as well as the graduate student leading the project.

We are seeking an undergraduate or recently graduated student who is interested in field research and assisting a master’s student and one other technician on this research project. Individuals from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Required Qualifications:

• Working towards, or already earned a BS/BA in biology, zoology, natural resource conservation or related field.
• Experience conducting field-based research
• Experience working collaboratively in teams as well as independently
• A valid driver’s license and ability to drive long distances to field sites o University of Wyoming Fleet vehicles can only be driven by individuals who have a valid driver’s license for over one year.m 

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience studying bats, including radio tracking and vegetation surveys
• Rabies vaccinated, and federally permitted to capture and handle Myotis septentrionalis
• Experience or interest in quantitative analysis
• Experience or interest in habitat management and conservation of imperiled species

Start Date: The ideal candidate would begin their field season in May 2022 and complete the season in August/September 2022. Possibility for fall work and/or rehire summer 2023 contingent on the 2022 field season.

How to Apply:

Submit a single PDF labeled as Lastname_TechApplication.pdf containing 1) a cover letter [this should include a description about your academic career thus far, why you are interested in this project or working with bats, and your career goals], 2) a CV or resume, and 3) the name and contact information of 3 references. Applications or questions about the position should be sent to Nick Kovacs nkovacs@uwyo.edu.

Review of applications will start immediately and will continue until filled.

Last Date to Apply: 01/15/2022

Salary: ~$15/hr

Statement on Diversity:

Diverse research groups, including those that are diverse in knowledge, experiences, and identities, increases productivity and creativity. The Bernard Lab is strongly committed to increasing the representation of traditionally excluded groups and fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive research lab here at the University of Wyoming.

The University of Wyoming values a wide range of cultural perspectives, experiences, and opinions that are important for educational excellence and critical for preparing students for future success (http://www.uwyo.edu/diversity/_files/odei-strategicplan2018-r5.pdf). For questions regarding diversity, please feel free to contact Dr. Bernard rbernar5@uwyo.edu.

COVID-19 Statement: To lower the risk of exposing bats to SARS-CoV-2, all field personal will be required to wear a fitted N-95 mask and gloves for the entirety of the netting and handling process of this study regardless of vaccination status. N-95 masks and disposable work gloves will be provided by the graduate student. All field gear and personal equipment used during netting will be disinfected with a 90% isopropyl alcohol solution immediately after the netting process. Gear that is porous (nets, clothes, etc.) will be soaked in 130 °F water. Symptomatic or Covid-positive individuals will not be allowed to engage in any field work—including observational surveys. These precautions are non-negotiable.