Embankment Group is proud to partner with a leading global environmental consultancy in their search for experienced Licenced Bat Ecologists and Bat Earned Recognition (BER) Registered Consultants. This is an exciting opportunity to join their expanding Ecology and Biodiversity team, contributing to a diverse portfolio of projects across renewable energy, major infrastructure, mining and minerals, and the built environment.
With opportunities available across multiple grades and locations in England, this role offers a structured career framework, genuine progression, and the chance to work on technically challenging and nationally significant projects.
Overview
This position focuses on delivering high-quality bat survey, licensing, and mitigation work. While the primary emphasis is on bat ecology, the consultancy actively supports broader ecological development. If you have expertise in other protected species, botany, or ornithology, you will be encouraged to maintain and expand those skills.
Responsibilities
As a Licenced Bat Ecologist or BER Registered Consultant, your key responsibilities will include:
- Conducting a full range of bat surveys, including Preliminary Roost Assessments (PRA), emergence and re-entry surveys, hibernation surveys, Ground-Level Tree Assessments (GLTA), trapping, and radio tracking.
- Analyzing bat data and producing robust technical reports and management plans.
- Completing BER site registrations and leading on European Protected Species (EPS) licence applications.
- Designing and overseeing mitigation and compensation strategies for maternity and hibernation roosts.
- Supervising mitigation works and implementing method statements.
- Recording and managing survey data to a high professional standard.
- Providing bat-related technical input into multidisciplinary projects.
- Liaising with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
- Mentoring junior ecologists and supporting national knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Depending on your experience, there may also be opportunities to take on project management and staff supervision responsibilities.
Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- A Natural England Class 2 bat licence or higher.
- Demonstrable experience in bat survey, mitigation, and licensing.
- Proven experience securing EPS mitigation licences.
- BER Level 1 to 3 Registered Consultant status or eligibility to become accredited.
- A strong understanding of UK ecological legislation and planning policy.
- Experience contributing to Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), and related ecological documentation.
- A degree in Ecology, Zoology, Biological Sciences, or a related field.
- Eligibility for membership with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.
A Certificate in Bat Acoustics Analysis would be advantageous but is not essential.
Day-to-Day
Your typical day may include:
- Conducting fieldwork for bat surveys and assessments.
- Preparing technical reports and ecological management plans.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to provide ecological input on large-scale projects.
- Engaging with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to ensure project compliance.
- Supervising junior team members and sharing technical knowledge.
- Managing survey data and ensuring adherence to professional standards.
Benefits
Joining this consultancy offers a range of benefits, including:
- Competitive salary with structured progression opportunities.
- Access to a diverse and technically challenging project portfolio.
- Support for professional development and training.
- Opportunities to expand your expertise in other ecological disciplines.
- A collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Flexible office base options across England.
This is a unique opportunity to join a highly respected consultancy that values technical excellence and career development. If you are passionate about bat ecology and want to contribute to nationally significant projects, we encourage you to apply.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Embankment Group.
