Bat Ecologists

SLR is seeking multiple licenced bat ecologists (Natural England Class 2 and above) with proven experience in securing mitigation licences. We particularly welcome applications from Bat Earned Recognition registered consultants (Level 1 – 3) or eligible to be BER accredited agents or for individuals looking to become a BER registered consultant to join our expanding Ecology and Biodiversity team in the UK. Opportunities are available across multiple grades. The role can be located across any of our office locations in England. You will work on a diverse portfolio of projects and sectors, particularly including Power, Mining and Minerals and Built Environment delivering high-quality bat surveys, mitigation strategies and technical reporting.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to be responsible for the delivery of ecology inputs to large and complex projects, which now represent an increasingly large proportion of our work. While the advert focuses on bat expertise, we do not pigeonhole our ecologists. If you hold additional ecological skills, whether in other protected species, botany, ornithology, etc – we actively encourage you to continue developing and utilising those competencies and we will ensure the range of work and training available to you enables you to do so.

With a structured career framework putting staff in charge of their own progression and a team of over 200 permanent ecologists, SLR Consulting leads the way in providing exemplar ecological advice and services. We have a real passion for what we do and due to continued commercial success and a very healthy work pipeline for several years ahead, we have fantastic opportunities for an experienced botanist to become part of the SLR team.

The role:

• Undertake a range of bat surveys including Daytime Bat Walkover, Daytime Preliminary Roost Assessments (PRA), dusk emergence and rarely dawn return surveys, backtracking surveys, hibernation surveys, Ground Level Tree Assessment (GLTA) and use of advanced bat survey techniques including trapping and radiotracking.
• Record and manage survey data to a high professional standard using our top of the range survey equipment and technology, utilising our dedicated in-house data recording apps and automation software and processes and working closely with the digital team to maximise efficiencies in automation where possible.
• Completing BER site registrations, EPSL licensing and mitigation works.
• Accurately analyse bat data in a timely manner and it would be advantageous to hold Certificate of Bat Acoustics Analysis.
• Supervising mitigation works and implementing method statements.
• Contribute to technical reports, contributing to BER site registrations preparing and leading on European Protected Species Licences (EPSL) and designing and overseeing bat mitigation and compensation strategies for a range of bat species including hibernation and maternity roosts across a range of sites including linear infrastructure projects, complex structures, major power projects and renewable energy projects.
• Producing technical reports and management plans.
• Provide bat expertise to multidisciplinary projects teams.
• Mentor junior ecologists and provide training to National team where required.
• You will be expected to liaise with other SLR technical teams on a variety of subjects including planning, landscape, hydrology, noise and air quality whilst working closely with senior members of the team.
• The key aspect of the role will be the management and delivery of ecology inputs to a range of potentially large and complex projects across our business sectors.
• Liaise with clients, stakeholders and regulatory bodies as required.
• Depending on skills and experience, and the specific goals of the successful candidate, the role may also include staff management.
• The role will involve working with other team members located across the UK and may require short-term travel across the UK and potentially overseas, depending on client/project sites.

SLR are global leaders in Sustainability Solutions, helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. We are a consultancy with 4000+ employees across 6 regions in over 125 countries. Our ‘one team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development.

Along with competitive salaries, our staff enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with a company pension plus excellent healthcare offering, travel and life insurance and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 day’s annual leave, with additional flexible bank holidays, we offer flexible, agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours, with family friendly policies help balance the needs of professional and home life.

We are committed to our team developing their skills and we will provide training, mentoring and shadowing opportunities to allow your competencies and bat expertise skills to continue to develop.

About you:

You will have demonstrable experience in bat surveys, licensing, mitigation and supervision (but we welcome experience across a range of different areas of ecological consultancy practice). You should hold a Natural England Class 2 bat licence or above and be able to demonstrate competence in bat survey and mitigation and ideally be a Bat Earned Recognition consultant (Level 1 to 3) or eligible to be accredited. You will have full understanding of the relevant ecological legislation and policy throughout the UK.

Proactive in developing your own technical knowledge alongside training and share your knowledge to develop and mentor more junior members of the team. BSc Ecology, Biological Science, Zoology or equivalent (MSc desirable) and eligible CIEEM membership (level dependant on grade). Good theoretical grounding in ecology and environmental assessment. Experience in project management duties including planning and scheduling surveys, budget management and client liaison desirable.

If you are interested, and hold a full UK driving licence, we would love to hear from you.

Culture & Inclusion at SLR

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional C&I Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster an inclusive environment where all people regardless of their background can thrive.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background, including those from groups that are currently under-represented at SLR, such as people identifying as 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous peoples, ethnic minority groups, women, and people with visible or invisible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent. Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process with us, please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we seek to ensure all applicants have equitable support when applying to SLR.