Bat Ecologist & Senior Bat Ecologist

Exciting Opportunity to Join the Johns Associates Team! 

Due to the growth in the number and scale of our bat projects, (including more challenging work requiring advanced skills, research and bat conservation), we are looking to recruit an enthusiastic Bat Ecologist and Senior Bat Ecologist with experience of working under bat EPS licences to join our friendly and experienced team. These are permanent positions, based at our offices in Bradford on Avon (near Bath) but with flexible working available (three days in the office/on Site and two working from home). Part-time working would be considered. The successful candidate would work closely with our Lead Bat Ecologist, who holds Level 3 and 4 class licences and numerous EPS licences including for rare species such as horseshoes and grey long-eared bats.

 

What you will be doing

You will be managing and delivering projects/ tasks with a focus on bats, across a range of sectors and within focused and multidisciplinary projects.

• Undertaking field surveys including Preliminary Roost Assessment / Daytime Bat Walkover surveys for bats, Ground Level Tree Assessments and activity surveys.
• Overview and co-ordination of bat survey equipment.
• Production of high quality, robust written documents, including bat survey reports, PEAs, bat aspects of EcIA/ES (Senior role), HRAs (Senior role) and EPS Licence applications (with support where necessary).
• Robust bat data analysis / interpretation skills including statistical analysis.
• Acting as day-to-day client interface.
• Co-ordination of specialist sub-consultants as required.
• Writing quotes/supporting  tender proposals for relevant projects across a range of sectors.
• Mentoring junior staff members as required.
   

Qualifications/skills required

• A relevant degree(s) and appropriate membership of CIEEM.
• At least 3 years relevant consultancy experience (5+ years for a senior role) with proven working knowledge of relevant legislation, policy and best practice.
• Natural England Level 2 Class licence for bats (or Level 1 for the Bat Ecologist role, but close to a Level 2 application).
• Experience in the preparation of EPS Licence applications.
• Knowledge of, and proven ability in, the ecology and identification of all UK bat species.
• Working knowledge of the most up-to-date bat guidelines and survey techniques (including use of infra-red videography).
• Experience and competency in the use, management, and deployment of a range of bat survey equipment.
• Confident at independently conducting all types of bat surveys associated with a Level 2 Class licence (Senior role).
• Developed experience in the preparation of bat reports.
   

Desirable:

• Experience of working under bat EPS Licences (as an accredited agent or as second ecologist) including on-site bat supervision and roof strip work.
• Bat handling experience.
• Qualification in tree climbing and aerial rescue, and experience in using this for aerial bat tree inspections.
   

Benefits

• Competitive salary (£28K - £34k for the Bat Ecologist role, £35K- £40k for the Senior Bat Ecologist role, DOE)
• Discretionary annual profit-share bonus
• A balanced approach to the busy survey season, ensuring all staff have the opportunity to take Recovery Time
• Employee Health Cashback scheme and Bupa Private Health Care
• 36 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays)
• Up to 5 days external CPD allowance per year, plus internal training/mentoring and work-shadowing opportunities
• Payment of annual CIEEM membership and support to achieve membership upgrades/ Chartered status
• Payment of renewal fees for NE survey licences and vaccinations required for work (e.g. tetanus and rabies)
   

How to Apply: 

If this sounds like the perfect role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please send us your CV and a covering letter or email to jrolls@johnsassociates.co.uk