USDA-FS Evaluating Deterrent Systems for Bats
Application Deadline
10/9/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
USDA Forest Service Office/Lab and Location: A fellowship opportunity is available with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS) within the Pacific Northwest Research Station (PNWRS) located in Arcata, California.
At the heart of the USDA Forest Service's mission is their purpose. Everything they do is intended to help sustain forests and grasslands for present and future generations. Why? Because their stewardship work supports nature in sustaining life. This is the purpose that drives the agency’s mission and motivates their work across the agency. It’s been there from the agency’s very beginning, and it still drives them. To advance the mission and serve their purpose, the USDA Forest Service balances the short and long-term needs of people and nature by: working in collaboration with communities and our partners; providing access to resources and experiences that promote economic, ecological, and social vitality; connecting people to the land and one another; and delivering world-class science, technology and land management.
Research Project: This project evaluates potential modifications of infrastructure aimed at reducing bat fatalities at energy facilities. Two species of bats will be evaluated. Both species are forest-obligate species found on all National Forests. They are also the 2 species most frequently killed via energy infrastructure. The research involves observational studies of bats interactions with infrastructure as well as capture of individuals that are observed in choice experiments conducted in the field. Results will be shared through publications and presentations to energy developers and forest managers considering energy infrastructure installations on their lands.
We have an opportunity for a fellow to be a part of this learning experience in the construction of experimental apparatus in the field, capture and handle bats, conduct choice experiments with captured bats, deploy and monitor audio and video recordings, process resulting data streams, and analyze these data. The opportunity includes opportunities to participate in the development and presentation of results in reports, publications, workshops, and conferences. This will be conducted in Humboldt County, California and includes opportunities to interact with a wide range of collaborators including academics, government employees, community members, university students, and energy industry representatives.
Learning Objectives:
- Detail how energy infrastructure can affect bat behavior and contribute to bat fatalities.
- Develop an understanding of the ecology and conservation needs of two forest-obligate bat species commonly affected by energy facilities.
- Preform safe, ethical techniques for capturing, handling, and releasing bats during field-based choice experiments.
- Conduct behavioral observations and controlled choice experiments with bats in natural settings.
- Communicate scientific results through reports, publications, workshops, conference presentations, and outreach to energy developers and forest managers.
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Theodore Weller (theodore.weller@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 8 months but may be extended upon recommendation of USDA Forest Service and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.
ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and USDA Forest Service. Participants do not become employees of USDA, USDA Forest Service, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.USFS.PSWRS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's or master's degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.
Preferred skills:
- Experience capturing bats or birds in mist nets.
- Experience managing large volumes of field data.
- Experience analyzing audio or video recordings of wildlife, especially bats.
Stipend
$3,700.00 – $4,500.00 Monthly
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).