Consultant/Senior Bat Ecologist

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a well-established, forward-thinking ecological consultancy experiencing significant growth in its bat work portfolio.

Due to an increase in the number and scale of bat projects — including complex assignments requiring advanced technical skills, research input and conservation expertise — our client is seeking an enthusiastic Bat Ecologist and Senior Bat Ecologist to join their friendly and experienced team.

These permanent roles are based at their offices in Bradford-on-Avon (near Bath), operating on a flexible hybrid model (three days office/site-based and two days from home). Part-time working will also be considered.

You’ll work closely with a highly experienced Lead Bat Ecologist holding Level 3 and 4 Class Licences and numerous EPS licences, including for rare species such as horseshoe and grey long-eared bats.

The Role

You will manage and deliver bat-focused projects across a range of sectors, working within both focused ecological and multidisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing and delivering bat surveys and related ecological tasks

• Undertaking:

  • Preliminary Roost Assessments (PRAs) / Daytime Bat Walkover Surveys

  • Ground Level Tree Assessments

  • Activity surveys

• Co-ordinating and overseeing bat survey equipment

• Producing high-quality technical reports, including:

  • Bat survey reports

  • Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs)

  • Bat chapters for EcIA / ES (Senior role)

  • Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRAs) (Senior role)

  • EPS Licence applications (with support where required)

• Robust bat data analysis and interpretation, including statistical analysis

• Acting as day-to-day client contact

• Managing specialist sub-consultants where required

• Supporting quotes and tender submissions

• Mentoring junior team members

About You

Essential

• Relevant degree and appropriate membership of CIEEM

• Minimum 3 years’ consultancy experience (5+ years for Senior role)

• Strong knowledge of UK bat ecology, legislation, policy and best practice

• Natural England Level 2 Class Licence (Level 1 for Bat Ecologist role, working towards Level 2)

• Experience preparing EPS Licence applications

• Proven ability to identify all UK bat species

• Up-to-date knowledge of survey techniques, including infra-red videography

• Experience deploying and managing a range of bat survey equipment

• Ability to independently conduct surveys associated with a Level 2 Class Licence (Senior role)

• Strong technical report writing skills

Desirable

• Experience working under bat EPS licences (as accredited agent or second ecologist)

• On-site bat supervision and roof strip experience

• Bat handling experience

• Tree climbing and aerial rescue qualification, with experience undertaking aerial bat tree inspections

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary:

  • £28,000 – £34,000 (Bat Ecologist)

  • £35,000 – £40,000 (Senior Bat Ecologist)

  • (Dependent on experience)

• Discretionary annual profit-share bonus

• Balanced approach to survey season with structured Recovery Time

• Employee Health Cashback Scheme & Bupa Private Healthcare

• 36 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays)

• Up to 5 days external CPD annually, plus internal mentoring and shadowing

• Payment of annual CIEEM membership

• Support towards membership upgrades and Chartered status

• Renewal fees for NE survey licences covered

• Payment for required vaccinations (e.g. tetanus and rabies)

Apply Now

If this sounds like the perfect next step in your ecological career, we’d love to hear from you.