Senior Consultant, Permitted Bat Biologist, Natural Resources

Senior Consultant, Permitted Bat Biologist, Natural Resources at ERM

The role is located in Overland Park, KS. The ideal candidate will have experience leading bat mist‑netting survey tasks related to renewable energy, transmission, pipelines, or other capital project developments. Applicants must hold a valid USFWS Section 10 permit to conduct bat mist‑netting surveys in the Great Plains and Midwest. This position offers the opportunity to advance your career with ERM’s consulting teams and to contribute to projects in onshore wind, electrical transmission, oil & gas, and technology infrastructure.

As a bat biologist you will manage bat‑related tasks including proposal scope and budget development, task management, leading field survey efforts, developing survey protocols, in‑office data analysis, report writing, and quality control. The role also involves NEPA compliance, ESA Section 7 & 10 reviews, state‑level equivalent reviews, and environmental permitting for large‑scale capital projects in the Great Plains, Midwest, and beyond.

Field and office work will be performed in the Heartland Region (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma) with potential travel elsewhere in the U.S.

• Lead mist‑netting and radio‑telemetry surveys for protected bat species.
• Oversee acoustic bat surveys and review acoustic data.
• Perform background data and desktop site reviews.
• Submit environmental permit applications.
• Review endangered bat species resource records.
• Support GPS data collection and mapping.
• Record, enter, organize, manage, and analyze data.
• Lead and/or prepare portions of written reports, tables, spreadsheets, databases, and maps for client and regulatory agency review.
• Complete quality control review for bat data and reports.

• Bachelor’s degree in an environmental discipline (e.g., biology, ecology, natural resources, soil science, or related field) or equivalent experience.
• Master’s degree in biology or related field from an accredited institution is a plus.
• 4+ years of related experience.
• USFWS Collection Permit for protected bat species.
• Experience conducting bat surveys in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and/or Oklahoma.
• Experience with bat radio telemetry and roost emergence counts.
• Familiarity with acoustic bat surveys and associated software.
• Comfortable with ArcGIS field maps and GPS‑based survey equipment.
• Knowledge, understanding, and use of statistical analysis a plus.
• Ability to work well both in a team setting and independently.
• Technical writing skills are necessary.
• Interest in ecosystems, natural resource conservation, and environmental sustainability is essential.
• Strong critical‑thinking, problem‑solving, and independence skills.
• Positive attitude in all working conditions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including exceptional MS Office skills.
• Detailed note‑taking skills.
• Understanding of policies and procedures for HSSE, including client‑specific training as required.
• Knowledge of field sampling techniques for various bat species.
• Builds and maintains productive professional and personal networking relationships within the technical team.
• Valid driver’s license and/or ability to operate a company vehicle; willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork in remote areas for extended periods, including overnight travel.
• Field work may include exposure to inclement weather.
• This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

As the largest global pure‑play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations to create innovative solutions to sustainability challenges.

ERMwelcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

ERM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.