Laramie, Wy; South Dakota; North Dakota; Nebraska; Wyoming

Position Title: Bat Field Technician

Organization: Wyoming Natural Diversity Database

Location: Laramie, Wy; South Dakota; North Dakota; Nebraska; Wyoming

Organization Overview: The Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD) is a member of a network of similar programs collectively known as the Natural Heritage Network. Each of the 50 US states, most Canadian provinces, and many Latin American countries house a network program dedicated to gathering and developing biological information on species of conservation concern and natural vegetation communities. Programs in the network use the same database methodology and software and receive technical support from a coordinating organization known as NatureServe. Most programs are housed in universities or state agencies; WYNDD operates as a service and research unit of the University of Wyoming.

Position Overview: Work will occur on 13 different National Park Service Units across these states. The project has been ongoing since 2018 with established sites and protocols. A primary objective of this project is to conduct an annual White-nose Syndrome (WNS) surveillance program in the region. Technicians will work as a team mist netting and collecting WNS samples from bats at pre-defined sites throughout these study areas. The job will involve extensive driving and navigating in rugged and remote country and hiking with heavy equipment. Work will involve mist netting and handling bats, evaluating bats for evidence of WNS infection, and collecting disease samples for testing. These positions are based out of Laramie, Wyoming and will require extensive travel, for which field vehicles are provided. Car camping will be required for work. Housing near work locations on days off will be provided. Applicants should be prepared to live and work in remote, rural areas with 30 min+ drive for groceries and basic necessities. Applicants will be expected to navigate to field sites using OnX app, GPS, and/or paper maps. Work will take place in spring weather conditions, including wind, snow, rain, wildfire smoke, and other inclement weather. Cell service is often unavailable in the field.

Duties:

• Standard zoological methods (mistnetting, harp trapping) for capture, handling, and identification of bats.
• Collection of disease samples including wing swabs, wing biopsies, and whole bats.
• Collection of data specific to survey events and captures.
• Strict adherence to most recent National White-nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol.
• Ability to adhere to state and federal permit stipulations (including the mandated use of N95 masks)
• Safely and efficiently navigate to survey locations.
• Interact in a professional manner with park resource staff, state wildlife agency biologists and conservation officers.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Proof of rabies vaccination prior to start date (or titer if vaccinated >2 years prior to beginning work)
• Proof of (or willingness to obtain) Tdap vaccine
• Previous bat handling and identification experience
• Able to work well as a team in remote and challenging conditions
• Possess a valid US driver’s license and clean driving record
• Able to initiate and finish tasks independently

Preferred Qualifications:

• Sufficient experience to obtain a Northern Long-eared Bat surveyors permit highly preferred (need to have observed/handled at least 5 individual NLEBs)
• Prior experience collecting WNS samples and following standard protocols and familiarity with the National WNS Decontamination Protocol
• Experience identifying western bat species preferred
• Experience with acoustic monitoring and collection of known species acoustic recordings

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

Start/End Dates: April 15– June 15, 2024 (*Dates are approximate; possibility of extension through August) 

Salary/Pay: $18-$22 hourly DOE (shared housing provided on days off)

Application Deadline: January 15, 2024

How to Apply: To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and 3 references in a single PDF to Ellen Whittle, list “Bat Field Technician 2024” in the subject line.