Bat Conservation International

Subterranean Technician

Yuma, AZ

Bat Conservation International (BCI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ending bat extinctions worldwide, seeks 3-4 seasonal Subterranean Technicians to join BCI’s Conservation Department. This position will be based in Kofa National Wildlife Refuge for a 12-week season, starting January 20, 2025, with the possibility of extension. The Subterranean Technicians will work as part of the Subterranean Team in the Habitat Protection & Restoration Program.

This position requires an experienced, highly motivated individual willing and able to conduct field work above and below ground safely, efficiently, and professionally in a variety of environments on lands managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The successful candidate will perform a variety of conservation activities that benefit bats and other wildlife that depend on subterranean habitat, with a primary focus on conducting surface inventory of abandoned mine lands (AML). AML inventory will occur in partnership with the USFWS to document all AML openings within the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. Time permitting the season may also include project work at other sites as well as conducting internal surveys in abandoned mines to assess subterranean habitat quality and determine bat and other wildlife uses of these underground features.

Additionally, this position may assist with project management duties including report writing, data and photo management, and other pre- and post-fieldwork tasks. On-the-job training will occur and opportunities for additional safety/medical certifications may be available.

Work Schedule:

This is a seasonal, field-based position. The season will begin January 20, 2026 and is expected to last 12 weeks. Work weeks will generally be 40 hours in length, and occasional overtime pay may be incurred. Weekly and daily work schedules may vary, with potential for some workdays up to 12 hours in length. While this position is primarily field based, a small proportion of time will be spent on other duties, including gear and vehicle maintenance, data entry, and photo management.

Location:

This position will be duty stationed near Yuma, AZ with project work occurring within Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. The field project will occur in remote, desert terrain and will require operating 4wd vehicles (on paved and unmaintained roads) and hiking long distances with heavy packs (containing project gear and personal supplies). Field work will require camping during the week, and housing will be provided by BCI for the duration of the season in a shared rental house, with private bedrooms for each crew member, and communal kitchens and bathrooms. All camping gear except a sleeping bag will be provided for the season and a gear stipend will be provided to purchase personal items that will be used throughout the season. Meals for workdays will be covered by BCI and travel expenses to and from Yuma will be covered at the beginning and end of the season, contingent upon the fulfillment of job obligations.

Position Description (Major Duties):

• Conducting Abandoned Mine Land (AML) inventory, focusing on identifying abandoned mines on the landscape and assessing hazards to human health and safety.
• Potential to conduct biological surveys that focus on assessing abandoned mines and caves for bats and other wildlife. This is done primarily using internal (underground) surveys, following standardized BCI protocols.
• Potential to assist with planning, managing, implementing, and reporting, to possibly include travel logistics, gear and vehicle maintenance, data and photo management, and communication of inventory data and results with BCI staff and project partners.
  
  

Required Candidate Qualifications:

• Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a driving record that meets the organization’s insurability and fleet safety standards. A review of a candidate’s Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) will be conducted only after a conditional offer of employment has been extended, and continued employment will be contingent upon meeting these standards.
• Interest in bats, wildlife, ecology, conservation, and working outdoors.
• Demonstrated ability to work in remote environments, navigate off-trail, and follow field safety protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to safely and comfortably navigate in rough terrain, including vertical drops and steep scrambles, with a heavy (~30 lb.) backpack.
• Open and enthusiastic about camping and living in small-team settings, while cooperating to pursue shared project goals and objectives.
• Familiarity with basic computer operating systems/software and digital data entry using tablets or smart phones.
• Knowledge of the scientific process, survey methods, and field techniques.
  
  

Desired Additional Qualifications:

• Experience in technical ropework disciplines such as caving, climbing, canyoneering, mountaineering, etc.
• Knowledge of surface and underground abandoned mine hazards and hard rock mining history.
• Experience and knowledge in 4wd off-road driving.
• Certifications in first aid, CPR, and wilderness medicine.
• 2-3 years of pertinent experience in biology, wildlife management, natural resource management, environmental science, or a similar field.
  
  

This job is for you if you:

• Are comfortable in small, intimate team environments.
• Enjoy working hard outside, under trying physical conditions.
• Are safety conscious and a strong communicator.
• Want to contribute to positive social and environmental impact.
  
  

To Apply:

BCI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. At BCI, we believe that our strength comes from bringing together people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, and that these viewpoints are critical to our mission and success. We’re committed to building a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to contribute fully. This commitment is at the heart of how we work – within our teams, alongside our partners, and in the communities we serve through our bat conservation efforts.

If you have 70% or more of the qualifications listed in this job announcement, we encourage you to apply.

Interested individuals should submit their resume and short personal story (1 page or less) that addresses the following:

• Based on our job posting, why are you interested in this position and how do you see yourself adding value to this role and our organization?

Job announcement will be open through November 7th, 2025 or until the position is filled. Interviews will take place in late-October or in November, with a start date of January 20, 2026.

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