Ecology OfficerLocation: Weston-super-MareSalary: £35,412 – £38,220 p.a.Hours: 37 per week (full time)Type: PermanentJob reference: EATA0083Closing Date: 06 JulyInterviews: Tuesday 14 July
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Ecology Officer with a specialist focus on bats, supporting the delivery of our annual North Somerset Bat Survey to secure the continued engagement with volunteers and the collection and use of high-quality ecological data to inform decision‑making.
Key responsibilities
- Coordinate and support the delivery of our Bat Survey project, working with volunteers and partners to secure continued high-quality data collection.
- Lead on the collection, processing and interpretation of acoustic bat data from static detectors across Nature Parks and the wider district.
- Support the delivery and sale of bat mitigation and Biodiversity Net Gain units on Council-owned land.
- Oversee the management and monitoring of North Somerset Nature Park and BNG sites, including coordination of prescribed management activities.
- Provide professional ecological advice to Development Management, with a particular focus on horseshoe bat impacts and mitigation.
- Support and contribute to the preparation of Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRAs), including assessment of bat impacts and liaison with Natural England where required.
- Review and check Habitat Evaluation Procedure (HEP) calculations and bat mitigation proposals associated with development.
- Use ecological data to inform guidance, policy and technical documents, including bat‑related planning guidance.
- Work with other bat mitigation providers and potential providers to ensure a network of mitigation sites across North Somerset.
Essential criteria
- Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide an alternative suitable method of travel.
- A relevant vocational qualification or experience to Level 4 or above in ecology or a closely related field.
- A good working knowledge of ecological planning issues, legislation and policy.
- A strong understanding of protected species, particularly bats.
- Experience contributing to or supporting Habitat Regulations Assessments.
- Ability to interpret ecological data and apply it to real‑world planning and land management decisions.
- Good organisational skills with the ability to manage and prioritise your own workload.
- Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, stakeholders and volunteers.
Desirable criteria
- Experience working with horseshoe bats and/or bat mitigation for development.
- Familiarity with Biodiversity Net Gain, including BNG Metrics and Biodiversity Gain Plans.
- Knowledge of the North Somerset and Mendip Bats SAC Supplementary Planning Document and Habitat Evaluation Procedure (HEP).
- Experience with acoustic bat data analysis and static detector surveys.
- Experience of managing or monitoring land for biodiversity outcomes.
- An understanding and experience of using GIS.
- Membership of CIEEM (or eligibility for membership).
For further information about the role email Esther Coffin‑Smith, Natural Environment Manager: esther.coffin-smith@n-somerset.gov.uk.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.
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