At a Glance
- Tasks: Help engage communities and promote wildlife conservation through the NightWatch project.
- Company: Bat Conservation Trust, a leading charity dedicated to bat conservation.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, training provided, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Perfect for early career starters or those looking to change paths.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and connect people with nature in Birmingham's sacred spaces.
- Qualifications: Interest in wildlife and a commitment to diversity; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 1040 - 1248 £ per month.
The Bat Conservation Trust is the leading UK charity devoted solely to the conservation of bats and their habitats. Our vision is a world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together. BCT is a partner in the Nature in Sacred Places (NISP) National Lottery Heritage Fund project, a £5.2m initiative with an 18-month development phase followed by a four-year delivery phase (subject to securing further funding). NISP is delivered in partnership with Natural England, the Church of England, Churches Conservation Trust and Caring for God’s Acre.
NightWatch is a community science project enabling people in cities to discover the hidden world of night-time nature in their neighbourhoods. The NightWatch element of the NISP project will empower participants to collect data about night-time wildlife in local sacred places. It is free, tech-enabled, and open to all regardless of background, experience, knowledge, or physical ability. In 2025, NightWatchers carried out over 150 surveys across the UK’s cities, finding at least 11 bat species. Volunteer Local Coordinators ran events and surveys, directly engaging over 100 more volunteers.
We are looking for a part time NightWatch Assistant (15 hours per week on a fixed term contract for 6 months) who will help us bring NightWatch to a diverse range of audiences and sacred spaces in Birmingham. During the development phase of this project, you will help develop and co-design an engagement strategy, test methodologies and trial activities that will help us secure additional funding for the delivery phase of the project. You will play a vital role helping us recruit NightWatch volunteers and administer survey kit.
We believe the lived experience of candidates with disabilities and from minority ethnic backgrounds can greatly benefit the project. This role is an ideal development opportunity for someone who is early in their career or undergoing a career change. You don’t need to be an expert in bats, as you will receive training and support, but an interest in wildlife and the passion to help us promote the benefits of connecting with nature is a must.
Responsibilities (illustrative)
- Help develop and co-design an engagement strategy for NightWatch in Birmingham during the development phase.
- Test methodologies and trial activities to support the delivery phase and funding applications.
- Support recruitment of NightWatch volunteers and administer survey kits.
- Engage diverse audiences and sacred spaces to broaden participation.
Qualifications and Attributes
- Interest in wildlife and a passion to promote benefits of connecting with nature.
- Ideally some experience in outreach, volunteering, or project support; training will be provided.
- Ability to work part-time (15 hours per week) for 6 months and collaborate with a team.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in project delivery.
Training and support will be provided. The role does not require prior expertise in bats.
NightWatch Survey Assistant employer: Bat Conservation Trust
The Bat Conservation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to engage with wildlife conservation in Birmingham through the NightWatch project. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, the organisation fosters a supportive work culture that encourages personal and professional growth, making it an ideal environment for those early in their careers or seeking a change. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and the chance to make a meaningful impact on local communities and biodiversity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NightWatch Survey Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Bat Conservation Trust and their projects inside out. When you’re chatting with them, drop in some specific details about NightWatch or their past initiatives. It shows you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former volunteers and staff at BCT. They can give you insider tips on what they value in candidates and might even put in a good word for you. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
During interviews, share your passion for wildlife and community engagement. Talk about any relevant experiences, even if they’re not directly related to bats. It’s all about showing your commitment to connecting people with nature!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace NightWatch Survey Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wildlife:When writing your application, let your love for wildlife shine through! Share any experiences or interests you have that connect you to nature. We want to see your enthusiasm for promoting the benefits of connecting with the natural world.
Tailor Your Engagement Strategy:Think about how you would engage diverse audiences in Birmingham. In your application, outline some creative ideas or strategies you might use to reach out to different communities. This will show us that you're ready to help us broaden participation!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you don’t have direct experience with bats, mention any outreach, volunteering, or project support roles you've had. We’re looking for candidates who can bring their unique experiences to the table, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bat Conservation Trust
✨Know Your Bats (Even Just a Bit!)
While you don’t need to be an expert in bats, showing a genuine interest in wildlife can really set you apart. Do a bit of research on local bat species and their habitats, especially in Birmingham. This will not only demonstrate your enthusiasm but also help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Show Your Passion for Community Engagement
Since this role involves engaging diverse audiences, think about your past experiences in outreach or volunteering. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully connected with different groups or promoted community initiatives. This will highlight your ability to contribute to the NightWatch project.
✨Emphasise Your Teamwork Skills
Collaboration is key in this role, so be ready to discuss how you work well in a team. Share stories that showcase your ability to support others, adapt to different working styles, and contribute positively to group dynamics. This will reassure them that you’re a great fit for their collaborative environment.
✨Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The Bat Conservation Trust values equality and diversity, so it’s important to express your commitment to these principles. Think about how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment and be prepared to discuss any relevant experiences or ideas you have for broadening participation in the NightWatch project.
