Senior Ecologist – Level 2 Bat Licensed

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 Level 2 bat licensed Senior Ecologist with experience of working under bat EPS licences to join our friendly and experienced team. This is a permanent position, based at our offices in Holt, Wiltshire (near Bath) but with flexible working available. Part-time working would also 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 and a range of roost types as well as the wider team.

What you will be doing

You will be managing and delivering projects/ tasks to include those with a focus on bats, across a range of sectors and within focused and multidisciplinary projects, although there will be plenty of opportunities to be involved in other aspects of ecology (surveys/ reporting) if desired.

• Undertaking field surveys including Preliminary Roost Assessment / Daytime Bat Walkover surveys, Ground Level Tree Assessments and activity surveys.
• Production of high quality, robust written documents, including bat survey reports, PEAs, EcIA/ES chapters (or technical bat aspects of these documents, as appropriate), HRAs and EPS Licence applications (with support where necessary).
• Robust bat data analysis / interpretation skills including statistical analysis.
• Developing mitigation/ compensation strategies (with support as required).
• Acting as day-to-day client interface.
• Co-ordination of specialist sub-consultants.
• 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 (preferably ACIEEM)
• At least 5+ years of experience within a consultancy setting, with proven working knowledge of relevant legislation, policy and best practice.
• Natural England Level 2 Class licence for bats.
• Batability Certificate of Bat Acoustics Analysis (Technician or Auditor Level).
• 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 and thermal 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.
• Developed experience in the preparation of bat reports and detailed analysis of bat survey data.

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.

 

Part of the Ecology Group

Johns Associates became part of the Ecology Group https://www.ecologygroup.com in November 2025. Being part of this wider Group provides additional opportunities for our staff in terms of wider project involvement (including international), working from other offices across the UK, additional resources to draw on during busy periods, and a larger number of specialist colleagues to provide mentoring/ training opportunities across a range of species/ groups and habitats. It also means that we have access to further investment for state-of-the-art kit and systems, as well as the potential to work collaboratively to win larger/ landscape-scale projects and framework contracts.

Benefits

• Salary in the range £34K- £43k (depending on experience)
• 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)
• Facilities available at our offices include free use of a gym, plus yoga/ Pilates classes, access to a wild swimming lake and sauna and regular socials/ networking events for all businesses at the Glove Factory Studios.