Environmental Scientist, Qualified Bat Surveyor

~ Established in 1969, Skelly and Loy is a privately owned, mid-sized corporation with 6 Mid-Atlantic offices. ~

The firm provides a myriad of professional engineering and environmental services to various public and private sector clients throughout the United States and abroad.

Position Overview 

Skelly and Loy is seeking a responsible, detail-oriented individual to serve as an Qualified Bat Surveyor / Environmental Scientist to focus on the performance of threatened and endangered bat habitat assessments, surveys, and regulatory agency coordination throughout the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

We are seeking a team player who must have a strong work ethic. This position will require out-of-town and seasonal overnight travel, and working long hours outdoors in adverse weather conditions and steep terrain. The assignments require the ability to lift 50 lbs., carry equipment, work within wetland and stream areas, maneuver around obstacles, and work in the presence of traffic. 

Experience Details:

B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife, or Environmental Sciences from an accredited college/university, and Pennsylvania or West Virginia Qualified Bat Surveyor (QBS) as recognized by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and state wildlife resource agencies. 

Responsibilities 

• Perform and supervise threatened and endangered bat habitat assessments, surveys, and regulatory agency coordination throughout the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, potentially including the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, West Virginia, Virginia, and Ohio;
• Conduct bat summer habitat assessments, summer mist-net surveys, acoustic detection and analysis using zero-crossing/full spectrum technologies, radio-telemetry, harp trapping, and hibernacula surveys in accordance with USFWS and state protocols, procedures, and methodologies;
• Prepare summary report documentation of bat studies/surveys and conduct coordination/consultation with the appropriate USFWS field office and state wildlife agency;
• Conduct and / participate with jurisdictional wetland and watercourse identification and delineation studies in accordance with United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and state protocols, procedures, and methodologies;
• Collect and analyze biological data regarding terrestrial, aquatic, and wetland ecosystems;
• Prepare documentation in response to requests for proposals or statements of interest;
• Study and manage vegetative and organism data associated with aquatic, terrestrial and wetland communities, and environmental conditions affecting them;
• Use computers to store, process, and analyze data; and
• Assist with the preparation of state and federal permit application packages and coordinate the acquisition of permit authorizations. 

Qualifcations  

Required Skills: 

• Pennsylvania or West Virginia Qualified Bat Surveyor (QBS) as recognized by the USFWS and state wildlife resource agencies;
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in field studies, and data collection related to Indiana bats, Northern Long-eared bats, and Eastern small-footed bats;
• Experience with the National Environmental Protection Act and the Federal Endangered Species Act, and experience in environmental consulting or a related industry;
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems;
• Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems;
• Proven ability to organize, write, and edit effective technical reports and permit applications;
• Proven ability to conduct project planning and permitting meetings, including agency meetings;
• Effective and efficient time management skills and management of assistants; and
• Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. 

Desired Skills: 

• Recognition of qualifications to perform bat surveys within the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, West Virginia, Virginia, or Ohio. 

Preferred Skills: 

• Possession of current or recent USFWS Endangered Species Recovery Wildlife Permit / state scientific collection permit for the performance of bat survey efforts;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office computer applications;
• Additional experience with the Allegheny woodrat, northern flying squirrel, and timber rattlesnake would be beneficial; and
• Prior experience working within the consulting industry for public, state, federal, and/or oil & gas industry clients is a plus. 

To Apply  

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email your resume and a cover letter. Be sure to mention how you learned of this opening.