2026 Seasonal Wildlife Technician - 26SSNTECH-KY

Copperhead Environmental Consulting is expanding its team with Seasonal Wildlife Technicians.

Wildlife Technicians assist Copperhead's Scientists with collecting data, conducting research and routine equipment maintenance/testing, and performing basic data entry while working in the field; however the technician will predominately be involved in projects involving the study of endangered bat species.

These positions are seasonal/temporary, non-exempt, hourly (number of weekly hours not guaranteed but eligible for overtime). Positions will begin in September 2026 and end in late November/early December 2026. The number of seasonal positions and seasonal timeframes are approximate and are based on business need. Opportunity for regular employment at the end of the season is possible but not guaranteed.

These positions are entry level, physically demanding and require travel to project sites including multiple day/week overnight stays and opportunity for overtime compensation. Travel expenses including transportation from the Copperhead office to the project site, meals and lodging are paid for by Copperhead. On-the-job, paid training is also provided. Cost of transportation to the Copperhead office prior to initiation of the project is not paid for.

Amount of Travel: Estimated between 80% - 95%

General

• Basic understanding of scientific principles.
• Assist with collection of data and basic data entry.
• Assist Scientists with the maintenance and care of field data, specimens, and samples.
• Assist with routine equipment maintenance and testing.
• Assist with transporting equipment to job sites including setting up and breaking down equipment.
• Learn and adhere to the corporate safety program and expectations.
• Utilize proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working in the field. Assist with ensuring all proper PPE and field gear is available for projects.
• Prepared to be away for up to two weeks at a time including over holidays as needed.
• Comfortable with working primarily at night in potentially adverse conditions and remote areas.
• Willing to work with a variety of personality types and people.
• Adapt easily to rapid changes in scheduling due to field work, project, and business needs.
• Willing to take direction and receive constructive criticism from team members and supervisor.
• Excellent communication skills including auditory, verbal, and written.
• Other duties as assigned.

Project Management

• Understand the scope of services as it relates to assigned tasks and projects.
• Complete tasks within expected deadlines and with adherence to quality standards.
• Take initiative to ask questions, request help, and provide status updates on assigned tasks.

Client Service

• Interact professionally both internally and externally at all times.
• Advance a conservation ethic, inspire biological curiosity, and drive environmental change.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to safely and successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The individual is required to:

• Communicate effectively using auditory, verbal, and written skills
• Use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand, walk, sit - often for long periods of time and on uneven surfaces; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Lift up to 30 pounds.
• Have excellent vision to include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Tolerate moderate noise levels in the work environment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Other information to consider:

• The functions listed above, including physical demands, are only a summary and are not meant to serve as an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties and requirements.
• Candidates must be able to pass a pre-employment background check and future drug tests as applicable based on specific project requirements.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license (REAL ID preferred in the event air travel and access to military bases is needed) and have a clean driving record to meet insurance requirements.
• Seasonal on-site room and board may be available for those who need it.
• One year experience or working towards or hold an associate’s degree or higher in a related field of study required.
• Previous field experience with bats, mist-netting, and/or acoustic monitoring preferred.
• Pre-exposure rabies vaccination preferred - No one will be permitted to handle bats without the pre-exposure vaccination.