Gunnison, CO

Position Title: Abandoned Mine Lands Technician

Organization: Bat Conservation International Inc.

Location: Gunnison, CO

Position Overview: This position requires an experienced, highly motivated individual willing and able to conduct field work safely, efficiently, and professionally in a variety of environments on lands managed by the Gunnison Field Office, Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The successful candidate will perform important field survey work that benefits bats and other wildlife dependent on subterranean habitat, by conducting surface inventory of abandoned mine lands (AML) and monitoring of abandoned mine closures (i.e., bat-compatible gates). AML inventory and monitoring will occur in partnership with BLM land managers and will inform AML database development used to plan future wildlife surveys and habitat protection efforts.

Duties:

• Conducting Abandoned Mine Land (AML) inventory, focusing on identifying abandoned mines on the landscape and assessing hazards to human health and safety.
• Conducting AML closure monitoring, including locating previously safeguarded AML features and assessing closure conditions (e.g., bat-compatible gate integrity).
• Potential to assist with planning, managing, implementing, and reporting, to possibly include travel logistics, gear and vehicle maintenance, data and photo management, and communication of inventory data and results with BCI staff and project partners.

Qualifications:

• Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record, in accordance with FCCI criteria. A candidate’s Motor Vehicle Record will be reviewed prior to a formal job offer.

This job is for you if you:

• Are comfortable in small, intimate team environments.
• Enjoy working hard outside, under trying physical conditions.
• Are safety conscious and a strong communicator.
• Want to contribute to positive social and environmental impact.

If you have 70% or more of the qualifications listed below, we encourage you to apply.

• Interest in bats, wildlife, ecology, conservation, and working outdoors.
• Demonstrated ability to work in remote environments, navigate off-trail, and follow field safety protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to safely and comfortably navigate in rough terrain, including vertical drops and steep scrambles, with a heavy (~30 lb.) backpack.
• Open and enthusiastic about living in small-team settings, while cooperating to pursue shared project goals and objectives.
• Familiarity with basic computer operating systems/software and digital data entry using tablets or smart phones.
• Knowledge of the scientific process, survey methods, and field techniques.

Desired Additional Qualifications:

• Knowledge of surface and underground abandoned mine hazards and hard rock mining history.
• Experience and knowledge in 4wd off-road driving.
• Certifications in first aid, CPR, and wilderness medicine.
• 2-3 years of pertinent experience in biology, wildlife management, natural resource management, environmental science, or a similar field.

Start/End Dates: The season will begin July 22 and is expected to last 8-12 weeks, depending on workload and weather conditions.

Salary/Pay: $20/hour, Housing will be provided by BCI in hotel rooms or a shared rental house, with private bedrooms for each crew member, and communal kitchens and bathrooms. A daily meal stipend not to exceed $25/day will be provided to cover costs of field-based lunches. Travel expenses to and from Gunnison will be covered at the beginning and end of the season, contingent upon the fulfillment of job obligations.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Hiring will occur on a rolling basis. We anticipate interviews being conducted in mid- to late-June, with notification of selection by early July.

How to Apply: Please use the online application to view the full job description as well as how to apply.