USGS Field Testing -Source Acoustic Bat Detectors

Organization

U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)

Fort Collins, Colorado

This opportunity is part of the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat). The primary focus is to evaluate an affordable, open‑source, edge‑computing acoustic detector that can be deployed across habitats to detect and retrieve bat calls in real time. The detector will incorporate low‑cost ultrasonic sensing, embedded machine learning algorithms, and standardized data packaging for direct submission to NABat’s data pipeline.

By testing this technology in the field, you will help determine performance, usability, and compatibility with NABat protocols, expanding monitoring capacity for partners across North America.

• Assemble and configure prototype acoustic detectors.
• Participate in the build process, test component configurations, and troubleshoot hardware and firmware.
• Deploy detectors across multiple habitat types according to NABat protocols, retrieve devices, and maintain detailed field logs.
• Conduct field deployments and data collection.
• Analyze acoustic recordings to assess call detection rates, data quality, edge‑processing accuracy, and device reliability.
• Evaluate detector performance in relation to NABat data workflow standards.
• Collaborate with mentors to generate metadata, package data, and test direct or streamlined submission to the NABat data pipeline.
• Support multi‑taxa sensor integration tests, installing and evaluating additional sensor modules (e.g., alternative microphones or frequency ranges) to detect birds, amphibians, and other taxa.
• Document results, prepare summaries, and contribute to guidance materials, manuscripts or technical reports.

• Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree (or completed within the last four years) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Earth or Geosciences, Computer science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Mathematics, or related fields.
• Familiarity with data analysis, acoustic signal processing, or sensor technologies is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary research team.

• Degree:
  Bachelor’s or Master’s received within the last 48 months or anticipated to be received by 6/1/2029.
• Discipline:
  Chemistry, Materials Sciences, Earth and Geosciences, Computer, Information and Data Sciences, Engineering, Environmental and Marine Sciences, Life Health and Medical Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics, Social and Behavioral Sciences, or related fields.

• Stipend:
  Monthly stipend rates vary and will be discussed at interview.
• Appointment length:
  Initial 10 weeks; may be renewed upon recommendation and available funding.
• Start date:
  
  Anticipated commencing on or around 15 June 2026; exact date flexible.
• Full‑time appointment.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and eligible foreign nationals may apply.

• Mentor:
  Brian Reichert (breichert).
• Point of Contact:
  Rachel.
• Email: USGS (include reference code DOI‑USGS‑2026‑25).

DOI‑USGS‑2026‑25