Bat Technicians at the Indiana State University Bat Center

This post will be used to fill 2 positions (Indiana Bat Lead Telemetry Technician and Indiana Bat Lead Mist Netting Technician) for a summer bat research project in northeast Missouri.

The Center for Bat Research, Outreach, and Conservation at Indiana State University is recruiting Field Technicians to aid in a 12-week study of bats in the northern plains of Missouri. The Missouri Bat Project is an 8-year study and collaboration between the Center for Bat Research, Outreach, and Conservation and the Missouri Department of Conservation. The main goal of the project is to understand how federally endangered Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) are affected by timber management on state-owned conservation lands in northeast Missouri. Technicians will aid Drs. Clarissa Starbuck and Joy O’Keefe, two PhD students, and an MS student in gathering data on bat distributions, health, and population density on six conservation areas. The Bat Center will provide housing and field vehicles to conduct the research.

The Lead Telemetry Technician will be in charge of tracking bats to day roosts and assisting a small group of other technicians who may not have as much tracking experience. The lead telemetry technician will also conduct exit counts at bat roosts and manage data. The position involves navigating in rugged and forested areas using a compass and map and the lead telemetry technician will help with managing data for a long-term project.

The Lead Mist Netting Technician will be in charge of organizing gear for mist netting, will work on a netting team to safely capture and handle bats, and will follow decontamination protocols during and after netting each night. The mist netting technician will also manage data and conduct exit counts at bat roosts when needed.

We anticipate long days in the field and can say with certainty that you will encounter at least one of the following on a daily basis: ticks, spiders, chiggers, venomous snakes, poison ivy, mud, hot weather, and rain. You will live and work in a team environment.

Location
Northeastern Missouri. Nearest city is Kirksville, MO.

Salary
Temporary, full-time positions.
$450/week for 11–12 weeks beginning 16 May 2020.
Bunk housing and field vehicle will be provided. Indiana State University will not pay for relocation costs (moving expenses).

Qualifications
Must have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and be in good physical condition. It is also critical that you are detail oriented and interested in collecting data for research studies. Must possess a valid driver’s license and pass driving record check. Desired: Experience as a leader with responsibilities such as delegating tasks and problem solving.

Lead Telemetry Technician: Must have experience using radio telemetry to track wildlife. Must have experience navigating using GPS and topographic maps.

Lead Mist Netting Technician: Must have completed the pre-exposure series of rabies vaccinations and have experience handling and mist netting for bats.

Application process: To apply for this position, send resume and names of three references as one pdf file to Clarissa Starbuck at Clarissa.Starbuck@indstate.edu. Applications received by 17 February 2020 will be given highest consideration. In the subject line of your email, please include “Missouri Lead Bat Technician.” In your email, please indicate which position(s) for which you would like to be considered.

Indiana State University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, religion, disability, or veteran status. In line with its commitment to equal opportunity, the University will recruit, hire, promote, education, and provide services to persons based upon their individual qualifications meeting established criteria.