Job Description

Salary: £26,000 – £31,000 (Dependent on experience)

Contract: Permanent/Full-Time

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, flexible working hours

Location: Prockters Farm Office, West Monkton, Taunton TA2 8QN (with the option for flexible remote working)

About Quantock Ecology

Quantock Ecology is a well-established, independent ecological consultancy offering expert ecological consultancy services across the Southwest and Southern England. Our Team deliver high-quality ecological surveys, mitigation plans, and environmental consultancy services, in support of a wide range of projects. Our team cover expertise in Bat Licence Applications, Biodiversity Net Gain, Ecological Impact Assessments and detailed support within most ecological planning needs. Our advantage lies within a deep understanding and focus on current planning requirements and legislations, working closely with planners and local authorities to achieve successful outcomes for our clients’ projects. Due to the growing demand for our services, we are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Consultant Ecologist to join our dynamic and supportive team. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to diverse and exciting projects, with excellent career progression and development opportunities.

Role Overview

The Consultant Ecologist will be a key member of the team, responsible for conducting ecological surveys, producing reports, managing projects, and liaising with clients and stakeholders. The successful candidate will also contribute to business growth, support junior team members, and help maintain our reputation for delivering expert, reliable, and professional ecological services. We are particularly interested in candidates with a valid NE bat survey licence (at least level 1) or licence/s for other protected species, as well as experience in BNG assessments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead ecological surveys for a variety of species, including bats, birds, badgers, great crested newts, reptiles, dormice, water voles, otters, etc. This includes conducting and managing ‘out-of-hours’ surveys.
• Conduct UKHab surveys and be able to identify priority habitats and conduct accurate condition assessments for BNG.
• Prepare comprehensive ecological reports, including mitigation and method statements, and utilise software such as QGIS for data analysis and presentation.
• Collaborate with clients and project stakeholders, providing clear and concise advice on ecological matters and compliance with wildlife legislation, and ensure surveys and reports are completed on time and within client expectations.
• Develop and implement mitigation strategies for protected species and habitats, including supporting with European Protected Species Mitigation Licence applications.
• Support junior team members, seasonal staff and subcontractors.
• Ensure accurate and detailed field notes are maintained, following scientific data collection protocols and best practices.
• Maintain effective and organised records of data and tasks using project management software.
• Stay up-to-date with relevant wildlife legislation, ecological best practices, and industry developments with support from senior team members.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential:

• A degree in a relevant ecological or environmental science discipline.
• A valid NE bat survey licence (level 1 or above) or equivalent licence/s for other protected species.
• At least 2 years’ experience working in ecological consultancy or a related field.
• Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation, including European and UK protected species.
• Confidence in using the UKHab classification system and a good understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain principles.
• Experience in report writing and ecological survey methodology, particularly Ecological Impact Assessments.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information clearly to clients, contractors, and team members.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in GIS (QGIS preferred), Microsoft Office, and ecological survey equipment.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to travel to various sites.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

Desirable:

• Experience in submitting European Protected Species Mitigation Licence applications.
• FISC plant identification level 3 or above.
• Experience as an Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) or in delivering ecological mitigation projects.
• Familiarity with bat sound analysis software (e.g. Kaleidoscope Pro).

What We Offer

• Competitive salary (£26,000 – £31,000 per annum).
• Overtime pay for out-of-hours bat surveys, or the option to use TOIL.
• Extremely flexible working hours, including options for hybrid work.
• 25 days annual leave + statutory holidays (pro-rata).
• Bespoke training budget to support your professional development.
• Company pension scheme.
• Attractive optional company benefits and performance-based incentives.
• A supportive, team-oriented working environment.
• Opportunities for career progression and professional development within a growing company, with direct one-to-one support from a line manager.