Description
USFWS Project Manager (Subterranean Specialist III)
Subterranean Team
Habitat Protection & Restoration Program
Conservation Department
SUPERVISOR: Assistant Subterranean Team Lead: Jackson Bain
KEY RELATIONSHIPS: Habitat Protection & Restoration Program (HP&R)
FLSA STATUS: Full-Time; Exempt
SALARY: $70,000 annually + benefits
CLOSING DATE: November 28, 2025
START DATE: January 16, 2026
LOCATION: Arizona or Southern California
Bat Conservation International (BCI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ending bat extinctions worldwide, seeks a full-time USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) Project Manager to support Abandoned Mine Land (AML) safeguarding projects on Kofa National Wildlife Refuge and other National Wildlife Refuges across the region. The USFWS Project Manager will coordinate all aspects of abandoned mine safeguarding, including AML inventory, biological and cultural resource surveys, NEPA compliance, construction contracting, and field oversight. This position will work within BCI’s Subterranean Team and collaborate closely with the Geospatial, Compliance, and Restoration Teams under the Habitat Protection & Restoration Program.
Position Overview:
The USFWS Project Manager will perform a variety of conservation activities that benefit bats and other wildlife dependent on subterranean habitats and requires an organized, self-motivated individual capable of managing complex conservation projects involving multiple partners and regulatory processes. While not primarily a field position, the USFWS Project Manager will regularly participate in fieldwork and site visits to support project planning and implementation. The ideal candidate will be based within reasonable travel distance of Kofa National Wildlife Refuge and have experience managing complex conservation projects involving multi-agency coordination and environmental compliance.
This position serves as the key liaison between U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) agreement managers and refuge managers and BCI’s internal teams, including the Subterranean, Restoration, Cultural Resources, NEPA/Compliance, and Geospatial teams. The role is responsible for directing and tracking project activities to ensure coordination between teams, hiring and supervising seasonal field crews, developing project deliverables, awarding and managing subcontracts, and assisting with agreement management. Trainings specific to this role will be provided. This position reports to the Assistant Subterranean Team Lead and works closely with the Subterranean Team Lead, Compliance Team Lead, and Cultural Resource Coordinator to ensure the effective implementation of projects.
This position is expected to be funded through the end of the Cooperative Agreement between BCI and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2031 but is contingent upon continued federal funding. Funding and agreement timelines are subject to change with little notice.
Work Schedule:
This is a full-time position that includes a mix of field and office duties. Regular travel is required and will typically consist of 1 week per month living and working on-site in field locations. Field projects are typically five weekdays in length, including travel days, though some projects may require longer deployments and may include working weekends. Field weeks may consist of travel and field days ranging in length from 8 hours to 12 hours or more. Typical field projects occur in remote, mountainous terrain, based out of local towns (often small communities with limited services). Overnight lodging is provided in shared house rentals or hotel rooms, with private bedrooms for each team member, though some projects may require camping. Meals and other travel costs are also covered. Office work schedules follow core hours during weekdays, with flexible work hours accommodated based on field schedule requirements.
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
- Serve as the primary liaison between USFWS and BCI teams to coordinate AML safeguarding projects.
- Supervision and oversight of seasonal field crews conducting AML inventory.
- Coordinate with BCI teams conducting wildlife surveys, cultural surveys, and NEPA documentation.
- Oversight of closure contracts including drafting Request for Proposals, bid review and award processes, and managing contractor performance and deliverables.
- Coordinate and track project progress, budgets, and deliverables.
- Prepare and review project reports and compliance documentation.
- Assist with agreement and program management.
- Participate in field activities to support project planning, field work, and partner coordination.
- Potential to assist with Subterranean Team projects funded by other partners (e.g. BLM, DoE, USFS).
Required Qualifications:
- 3+ years of experience and proven success in project management including staff supervision, resource coordination, and oversight of multi-team, multi-year conservation projects.
- 2+ years of experience in biology, wildlife management, natural resource management, environmental science, or a similar field.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects/tasks simultaneously, prioritize under pressure, and deliver high-quality results on schedule.
- Competency with basic computer operating systems/software such as Microsoft Office and Adobe products as well as data collection applications (e.g. ESRI Field Maps, Survey123).
- Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively via email and Zoom, lead meetings, and deliver presentations.
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision and high motivation.
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or other similar degree.
- 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 after a conditional offer of employment has been extended, and continued employment will be contingent upon meeting these standards.
Desired Additional Qualifications:
- Knowledge of NEPA processes and environmental compliance requirements, including Categorical Exclusions (CEs), Environmental Assessments (EAs), and Biological Assessments (BAs).
- Familiarity with cultural resource management requirements and procedures under NEPA and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, including inventory, consultation, and mitigation.
- Experience with database management and GIS (e.g., ArcGIS or similar).
- Knowledge of surface and underground abandoned mine hazards and hard rock mining history.
- Knowledge of bats and underground environments, including caves and abandoned mines.
- Experience and knowledge in 4x4 off-road driving.
- Certifications in first aid, CPR, and wilderness medicine.
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 the following materials:
- Résumé outlining relevant experience and qualifications.
- A short personal statement (one page or less) explaining why you’re interested in this position and how you see yourself adding value to this role and to Bat Conservation International.
- One example of technical writing that demonstrates your ability to communicate complex information clearly and professionally.
Applications are due by November 28. We anticipate interviews being conducted in December with notification of selection by the end of the calendar year.
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