Ecology Officer

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 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 realworld 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).

Closing date: Monday 6 July 2026
Interview date: Tuesday 14 July 2026

For further information about the role email Esther Coffin-Smith, Natural Environment Manager: [email protected]

Job reference: EATA0083

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.