Bat Technician

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The UNC Institute for the Environment (IE) has a multifaceted mission: (1) To strengthen environmental research capacity across UNC by supporting a multi-disciplinary community of scholars that enhances collaboration, increases sharing of knowledge, and identifies solutions to the world's critical environmental problems. (2) To work in partnership across UNC and with external partners to coordinate and deliver 21st century educational programs that provide students with the experience and skills to thrive in a growing global economy. (3) To put new environmental knowledge into action by engaging and serving communities, here in North Carolina and around the world. (4) To fuel and harness the university's sustainability activities through the Sustainable Carolina Initiative

The Bat Technician position work location is Havelock, North Carolina

Institute for the Environment at UNC-Chapel Hill is looking for a temporary full-time, Bat Technician to conduct mist-netting, radio tracking, vegetation survey and acoustic surveys on the northern long-eared bat and tricolored bat at Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point. The Bat Technician will work on a three-person crew to conduct mist-net surveys for targeted bat species. The position's duties will include conducting mist-net surveys with a permitted bat biologist, conducting telemetry surveys of bats to roost trees and foraging areas, and performing emergence counts. The Bat Technician will use acoustics to record and analyzed bat calls and conduct vegetation surveys at roost sites. The Bat Technician must be able to work independently and in a team, interact professionally and respectfully with project managers, clients, landowners, and other technicians, and take direction from supervisors.

Responsibilities Include:
* Use global positioning system devices, maps, compass, tablet, digital cameras, telemetry equipment (i.e., receivers and yagis) as well as the ability to maintain equipment.
* Responsibilities include mist-net surveys: Assist bat biologists with setting up mist-net sites, safety handling and processing bat species, record data on a tablet, and follow WNS decontamination protocols.
* In order to handle live bats, a rabies vaccination is required before the start of field season, if not within the last two years, then a titer check will be required.
* Conduct field work while adhering to UNC and MCAS-Cherry Point field safety requirements.
* Participate in safety calls and adhere to safety protocols.
* Technicians will be expected to use good judgment to stay safe and work efficiently.
* Job requires the person filling this position to be able to appear for work on time; working long hours, hiking in adverse conditions with small to moderate loads.
* Assist field supervisors and crew leaders with various tasks (reviewing weather data, datasheets, and completing inventory of field equipment regularly).
* Follow instructions from project managers and field supervisors and crew leaders; interact effectively with coworkers and clients; maintain a positive attitude; and accept guidance and constructive criticism.

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

- Able to communicate and coordinate effectively with supervisors and bat biologists, including adhering to schedules and completing surveys.
- Able to adhere to a flexible schedule and report to work on time
- Able to work long hours, hike in adverse conditions with small to moderate loads.

- Course work in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, or Wildlife Biology.
- Candidates with field experience related to mist-netting or bat handling will be given preference.
- Experience with acoustic detectors, telemetry, GPS units, tablet data collection, compass, and other field equipment preferred.

- Applicants must be in good physical shape, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be challenging, difficult, and uncomfortable.
- Field work will entail hiking to mist-net sites with up to 30-50 pounds of field equipment in varying terrain, sometimes in inclement conditions. Mist-net work will be conducted at night.
- Must be able to walk from 10-15 miles a day in a hot humid environment.
- All duties to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Vehicles will be provided for work. Mist-net equipment including associated gear, GPS units, compass, camera, electronics for data entry (e.g., phone, tablet and/or laptop) will be provided. Candidates must be equipped with and provide their own sturdy hiking shoes, backpack, clothing, water bottles, bat handling gloves, head lamp, etc. Training will be provided for survey efforts and job-related activities.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.