Assistant Bat Ecologist - Surrey, Sussex, west Kent or south London

Simlaw Ecology has a burgeoning reputation in professional ecological consultancy for the highest standard and comprehensive expertise in bat surveys and licensing; this is why we hold contracts to deliver bat related services with everyone from the smallest householder to the largest multi-disciplinary consultancies.

The Simlaw Ecology bat team is expanding, and we are seeking a junior ecologist with a passion and interest in British bat ecology to join us in our 2022 field survey season and beyond.

The Role

The role is to integrate into our friendly and close-knit team of ecologists, and help to deliver mostly bat related surveys, including building inspections, dusk and dawn surveys, transect surveys, thermal video monitoring and analysis, ground-level and climbed bat tree assessments, static bat monitoring and mitigation under EPSM and BMCL bat licences.

Fully assisted client liaison, project management, and production of ecology reports and other written deliverables is also an essential part of this role.

About 15% of our portfolio is non-bat related, and includes habitat surveys, reptile surveys, badger surveys, bird surveys and ecological clerk of works, so the role will include assistance with these projects too.

What you get

The position will begin with a week of integration training supplied by our expert in-house team.

The duration of the initial contract will be full time (37.5 hours a week) over the course of five months (June to October).

This is an ideal position for a candidate with some/limited professional ecology experience, who is looking to rapidly acquire bat survey skills and experience. We have exposure to a variety of bat roosts each year so this would be an ideal for someone working towards their bat licence to progress their career in ecological consultancy.

We are a fair company, who offer flexible working hours, competitive rates of pay and excellent benefits, including TOIL for all overtime worked, options for 1.5x and 2x pay for weekend work; and, one-to-one training in all aspects of the industry, including in the use of the latest survey equipment.

Travel expenses in your own car will be reimbursed at £0.45 per mile and all other prearranged expenses will be reimbursed in full. However, we are a 100% work from home or in the field company, so no costly commuting to an office.

The Candidate

We ask that candidates are based within our home range in Surrey, Sussex, west Kent or south London; or, be willing to relocate to the area in order to avoid long commutes to and from our surveys.

The successful candidate will have a degree or higher in the Natural Sciences (e.g., Biology, Conservation, Biodiversity, or similar), be well organised, hardy, proactive, confident; and, have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

A full driving licence and access to a car is essential.

We would love to hear from candidates with an existing tree climbing qualification, or a keen interest in learning.

Candidates that are familiar with working in the Mac OS ecosystem, or are keen to learn, will be favoured. Proficiency with the basic range of Microsoft programs is still required, and adaptability to more advanced IT skills, such as Kaleidoscope bat sound analysis software and Photoshop image editing is highly desirable.

Diversity Statement

We are an equal opportunities employer and gladly welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of their race, religion, gender, sex or sexual orientation. Applicants will be evaluated based on objective criteria regarding their experience and their ability to perform in the role.

How to Apply

To apply, please send a 2-page CV and maximum 1-page covering letter to Daniel Simmons at daniel@simlawecology.uk on or before 28 April 2023. Interviews will be held online between 03-05 May and the position will start no later than 01 June.

We look forward to hearing from you!