Title:  Bat Survey Science Aide

Summary/Objective

The Missouri Department of Conservation has openings for two full-time seasonal science aides to assist with bat acoustic surveys from May to August 2025. Science aides will be responsible for working as part of team, led by the Bat Survey Coordinator, to conduct bat acoustic surveys on multiple MDC Conservation Areas across Missouri. Science aides may also assist with bat mist net surveys and radio telemetry if needed. Surveys will support implementation of the Bat Habitat Conservation Plan and will target northern long-eared bats, Indiana bats, tricolored bats,  and little brown bats. 

Essential Job Duties

• Work as part of a team to conduct summer acoustic surveys for bat species covered by the MDC Bat Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP).
• May also assist with mist net surveys and radio telemetry if needed.
• Operate 4WD vehicle with trailer, and ATVs or UTVs, on field roads and rugged terrain.
• Navigate to acoustic deployment sites using GPS units and maps. Use GPS units to record location of deployed equipment.
• Travel to MDC Conservation Areas across Missouri, for multiple days per week.
• Lodging and food will be provided when traveling.
• Inventory and maintain supplies and equipment
• Maintain detailed survey records. Upload, organize and maintain acoustic data.
• Analyze acoustic data using Kaleidoscope Pro software.
• Compile, organize and analyze survey data, including geospatial data, and assist with preparing reports.
• Provide limited scientific technical support to researchers, students, managers, administrators, educators, and protection staff.
• Perform general maintenance on tools and equipment.
• Correspond with stakeholders via email, telephone, and in-person discussion.
• Carry 50+ lbs of equipment over rugged, uneven terrain (up to ¼ mile).
• Work outdoors in extreme and undesirable conditions (e.g., hot temperatures, high humidity, exposure to mosquitos and ticks, possibly overnight).

• Other duties as assigned.

Ancillary Job Duties

Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries, Forestry, Wildlife, Biological Sciences, Conservation, or related field preferred or Undergraduate students with at least a junior status.
• Experience conducting bat or wildlife surveys, monitoring or field research preferred.  
• Experience navigating in remote locations using GPS units and maps preferred.
• Experience conducting radio telemetry surveys preferred.
• These positions are not required to handle bats, but there may be opportunities to do so for any team members who have been vaccinated for rabies and have a current titer check. If interested in handling bats, please provide a rabies titer check within the last year, and provide any bat handling experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Willingness and ability to travel overnight throughout Missouri
• Accept all responsibilities of the job and assigned tasks
• Demonstrate technical proficiency in areas of responsibility
• Ability to analyze relevant information and solve problems
• Ability to maintain focus and a positive attitude under adversity
• Demonstration of a safety-orientated mindset
• Ability to communicate well with team members, collaborators, and supervisors
• Must maintain a current valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of ecology and natural systems
• Skill in verbal and written communication and coordination.
• Ability to work in teams and manage projects.
• Ability to use office equipment, such as copier, multi-line phone system, fax machine, scanner and computer.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ArcGIS Pro, and other software tools
• Ability to travel within Missouri and stay overnight frequently during the summer.
• Ability to work outdoors overnight.
• Ability to work varying shifts and hours.
• Ability to operate ATVs and UTVs. 
• Ability to drive trucks towing ATV/UTV trailers on field roads.

Work Environment

Physical Abilities

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. The Missouri Department of Conservation reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises.  This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, functions, and requirements.