Senior Bat Ecologist - Cheshire, United Kingdom - United Environmental Services Ltd

Description

Overview

United Environmental Services Ltd. A small expanding independent ecological consultancy based
in Cheshire providing comprehensive ecology services from baseline surveys to impact
assessments, habitat creation and management, and expert witness advice.


Our services include but are not limited to: Preliminary ecological appraisals (PEA) /UKHab
surveys, specialist botanical & NVC surveys, hedgerow assessments. Protected species
management including ecological impact assessment (EcIA) and ecology management plans.
Development and career growth through in-house training with our expert consultants along with
a large range of industry accredited training courses are available.

Position

We are looking for a senior bat ecologist to join, lead and manage our bat
ecology team based in Cheshire. Delivering a responsive, reliable and practical ecological
consultancy to our existing private and small-scale clients to further develop our
long-established relationships.

You will have extensive knowledge of existing and emerging planning policy and will possess as
a minimum, a level 2 Bat licence and ideally be the named ecologist on numerous European
Protected Species Licence (EPSL) mitigation projects.

You will have the capacity to inspire and mentor colleagues and will always seek to maximise
their professional fulfilment and job satisfaction; you are a leader providing high level
technical support for existing members of staff.

Key tasks & responsibilities

Managing the delivery of private and small-scale bat project work for key clients

Protected species surveys, mitigation and compensation design and preparation of EPSLs
including the design and implementation of mitigation schemes.

Proactively identifying and developing business with new clients, preparing and submitting
proposals for new and existing clients, and providing technical input into small scale
proposals for private and public sector clients.

Managing, training and mentoring a team of ecological specialists to develop technical,
commercial and business developments skills.

Responsible for consultation, field survey work, reporting and EPSLs.

Technical review and approval of sub-contractor scopes of works and reports.

Mentor and support the development of the bat ecology team.

Attend all regular meetings and ensure all relevant information is cascaded as appropriate.

Essential skills and attributes

Experience of protected species surveys and holder of a level 2 bat licence

Proven track record of obtaining Natural England mitigation licences.

Experience of liaising with clients and statutory bodies where required.

Knowledge and awareness of planning policy and process in relation to ecology and biodiversity
including BS 42020, UKBAP species & habitats,

Knowledge and awareness of the CIEEM ecological survey guidance and protected species licencing

Full clean driving licence and your own car although company pool vehicles are available for
staff for survey work where required.

Minimum of 3 years relevant experience

Experience using GIS software for ecological purposes

Experience of bat sound analysis software such as Bat Explorer

Knowledge of current wildlife and conservation legislation

Full or Associate membership of The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite and associated programs

Benefits/Package

Salary of £30,000 to £45,000 depending on experience

Funded professional body membership.

Cycle to work scheme.

Training budget and progression plan

Opportunity to develop your career with a growing business

Discretionary bonus

TOIL (time off in lieu) policy and flexible approach to working hours

Auto-enrolment pension scheme (after 3 months service)

This is a permanent position offered on a full or part-time basis with a working split between
our Knutsford office and on-site work. The senior bat ecologist will be responsible for the
management of dusk / dawn surveys through the use of the bat survey team, field ecologists and
subcontractors. Whilst there is no requirement for the senior bat ecologist to attend evening /
morning surveys it is expected that they will be involved in surveys at least once a week or
where the project requires a more senior presence onsite. The senior bat ecologist will be
required to travel extensively throughout the UK to conduct preliminary roost assessments and
cover bat mitigation works.

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