Assistant Ecologist

We are currently looking for two Assistant Ecologists to join our team for the 2023 bat survey season

Join our friendly team dedicated to making a positive impact on conservation, and benefit from full training in bat survey methods, bat sound analysis and QGIS software

We are offering two part-time roles with around 15 hours per week (variable); These positions are initially intended to be temporary (lasting approximately 23 weeks, May-Sep 2023).

However, opportunities for additional hours and extensions to this contract exist along with opportunities for career progression within the company.

You will be paid £10.50/hour + business travel expenses.

You will be allocated 28 days annual leave per year (this will be calculated pro-rata for part-time hours), and includes 11 public/bank holidays.

Hybrid working: A combination of working from home and in our Ballymoney office, working throughout Northern Ireland with the possibility of occasional work in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

You will also have multiple opportunities for professional development in other aspects of ecological consultancy work.

These roles are intended to start in late April 2023 and continue until the end of September 2023.

**The main purpose of the job**:

- Conducting nocturnal bat surveys in a variety of locations throughout the 2023 bat survey season

**Key Duties**:

- Undertaking a range of species and habitat surveys, with a focus on nocturnal bat surveys, to current industry guidance and best practice.
- Analysis of data to include bat call sound analysis and analysis of video footage.
- Working outside of normal office hours on a regular basis during the bat and newt survey seasons.
- Supporting the production of high-quality ecological reports and advice, when necessary, on time and within budget.
- Liaising with clients, stakeholders and statutory agencies, as required.
- Organise, repair and maintain equipment.
- Understand and meet health and safety requirements, and take responsibility for safe working practices.
- Any other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time.

Please note that work will include unsocial hours often at short notice, travel to sites across NI, GB, and ROI, work on construction and demolition sites, carrying equipment up to 4Km during the day and at night, often over uneven and slippery surfaces. Appropriate health and safety policies and measures are in place to ensure risks are minimised as far as possible to protect our staff.


**Essential Criteria**:
EITHER:

- Experience of conducting ecological surveys

OR
- Achieved or working towards a degree in Ecology or a related discipline.

AND
- Ability to work independently on multiple projects to deliver to a high standard, on time and/or within budget
- Excellent communication skills.
- Excellent IT skills including MS Office (including Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Commitment to a high standard of work
- Flexibility and reliability with the ability to work unsocial hours, sometimes at short notice.
- A full driving licence and access to a car for business purposes.

**Desirable Criteria**:

- Experience of conducting ecological surveys and assessments.
- An undergraduate or post-graduate degree in ecology or a related discipline
- Experience of conducting bat surveys.
- A working knowledge of GIS (Geographic Information Systems), particularly QGIS.
- Knowledge of ecological legislation, the planning system, and ecological survey and assessment techniques.
- Membership of CIEEM (Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management)
- Valid CSR (Construction Skills Register) card.
- Valid First Aid at Work' training certificate
- Experience of conducting/implementing risk assessments.

**Equal Opportunities Statement**

**How to apply**:
Forward an up-to-date CV

**Job Types**: Part-time, Temporary contract, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 23 weeks
Part-time hours: 15 per week

**Salary**: £10.50 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Free or subsidised travel
- On-site parking
- Work from home

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- Night shift
- Overtime
- Weekend availability

Application question(s):

- Do you have any experience conducting ecological surveys?

**Education**:

- Bachelor's (preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ballymoney, BT53 8PE

Application deadline: 31/03/2023
Expected start date: 26/04/2023