Ecologist

Job Description

An exciting and rare opportunity has arisen to join one the UK’s leading specialist ecological firms. Davidson-Watts Ecology is recruiting for an Ecologist grade role to be based out of its Bristol Office.

Who are WE?

Davidson-Watts Ecology (DWE) is a well-known and respected ecological company that develops and leads the use of novel approaches to bat survey, assessment and mitigation, especially with respect to rare and woodland/forest bat species. You don’t have to search very far to see our contribution to UK National guidelines, and more importantly the work we have done delivering the research that sits behind some of the recent changes in how the industry does its work.

We are regular providers of advanced licensed bat surveys and mitigation for a wide range of major infrastructure projects and landscape sized developments where we think big and out of the box to ensure bats are considered at a strategic level. We have delivered over 70 bat trapping and radio tracking project licences over the last ten years involving most UK species and the demand for our services is increasing. Our ecologists are also registered under the Natural England bat earned recognition scheme to deliver Level 3 projects for all species and roost types.

Our clients include most major environmental consultancies, National NGOs, Wildlife Trusts, statutory agencies, as well as homeowners, architects, developers/planners and landowners. Simply put, we punch well above our weight for an organisation of our size. This is not only due to high calibre and drive shown by our team (including our amazing specialist subcontractors), but also the adaptive and agile way we work, supported by the 75 years combined experience of DWE’s three technical leaders.

Although we specialise in challenging bat species, we are first and foremost ecologists, and we undertake a wide range of other ecology work. This includes work on Biodiversity Net Gain, PEAs, EcIAs and other species surveys and assessments.

What are the OPPORTUNITIES?

We are looking for outstanding ecologists to take up an Ecologist role in our growing team based in Bristol. We particularly welcome applications from those with experience and a keen interest in bats, but also those with good experience of habitat assessment and Biodiversity Net Gain to support our increasing workload in this area.

The role will be fully supported with the necessary CPD to enable the job holders to reach their full potential and career aspirations. There is no limit to this, we want you to be the best you can be. Both roles will also have opportunities to contribute to our programme of bat research in the UK and overseas (i.e. New Zealand).

Our sister company is based in New Zealand and there will also be opportunities for the job holder to work on projects in New Zealand and the pacific region (subject to visa requirements).

Our working patterns are very flexible, and we use a combination of office, home and field-based working, as well as seasonal busy periods as part of the ebb and flow of working with the natural environment. Working arrangements are an individual preference and these can be fully discussed, as our main focus is ensuring the right work environment for you to be at your best.

We operate a time off in lieu system, and other benefits may include enhanced pension contributions, medical insurance and performance pay.

Outline of key expectations and anticipated duties:

– Assist the full range of ecological assessments from PEA/PRA to EcIA/ES Chapters, BNG calculations.

– Undertake and/or assist with species specific surveys

– Undertake habitat surveys

– Undertake or assist with all bat survey types including trapping and radio tracking

– Assist the preparation of bat licence method statements and site registration documents

– Assist (act as accredited agent or licensed assistant) the implementation and monitoring of mitigation licences.

About YOU

Our reputation demands the best from our team and those who work with us. We’re a small team that delivers novel approaches on some of the UK’s largest projects and there will be pressure and expectation for you to deliver as part of a tight knit team.

We’re looking for self-starters, with a ‘can-do’ attitude who can utilise their subject matter expertise to develop bespoke solutions for our clients and ensure what they do is based on good evidence and has positive outcomes for biodiversity. You’ll show high degree of flexibility and an inquiring, but solution driven approach, and above all you’ll love ecology and have a passion for the natural world.

A degree or similar in ecology/conservation is desirable but not essential if you have the key technical skills. CIEEM or similar organisational membership is important, and if not already a member we would seek to support you in gaining the appropriate grade.

It may seem obvious, but a willingness and the field skills to work confidently on site, including at night, are essential for the role.

We would expect you to:

– have at least two years field and data management and report writing experience, working on various species and projects.

– Be competent with UK Habs and have a firm grasp of Biodiversity Net Gain, including experience working through BNG calculations.

– hold a bat survey licence at level 1 (essential) or level 2 (desirable).

– have experience of advanced bat surveys or a significant level of field experience with bats (desirable).

How to APPLY

If this is you, and you are looking for an opportunity to develop your specialist bat related skills to a level few achieve, then please do not hesitate to contact us. Our door is very much open for a chat and discussion.

For an informal chat about these roles please contact Ian on 0333 3031276 or arrange a Teams call via info@dwecology.co.uk

To apply for these roles, please send a CV and covering letter outlining why you believe joining DWE is right for you to info@dwecology.co.uk

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £25,000.00-£38,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

• Performance bonus

Benefits:

• Employee mentoring programme
• Work from home

Education:

• Bachelor’s (preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bristol BS9 3HQ

Application deadline: 15/02/2024
Reference ID: DWE/SE/EC/2023