Ecological Surveyor - Bats, Reptiles and Badgers

Service Care; Cuxton; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 48,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Holiday allowance

Mileage reimbursement

Professional development support

Job summary

Service Care Solutions are recruiting for an experienced Ecological Surveyor to support residential, commercial and infrastructure projects across the South East. You will conduct protected species surveys (bats, reptiles, badgers), prepare reports and assist with licence applications, working with engineering teams to address ecological constraints.

The role requires a degree in ecology or related field, five seasons of protected species survey experience, GIS skills, and a valid CSCS card.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Zoology or a related subject, or equivalent relevant field experience.
• Minimum of five seasons' experience undertaking protected species surveys, including bats, reptiles and badgers.
• Natural England Bat Survey Class Licence – Level 2.
• Previous experience as an Ecological Clerk of Works on construction sites.
• Good understanding of wildlife legislation and protected species requirements.
• Strong report-writing skills and attention to detail.
• Experience using GIS software, such as QGIS or ArcGIS.
• Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and the statutory metric.
• Valid CSCS card.
• Full UK driving license and flexibility to work early mornings, evenings and occasional weekends during the survey season.
• CIEEM membership, or working towards membership, would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Carry out bat surveys, including Preliminary Roost Assessments, dusk emergence and dawn re-entry surveys, and acoustic detector analysis.
• Undertake reptile surveys, including habitat assessments, artificial refuge checks, population assessments and supporting translocation work.
• Conduct badger surveys, identifying and classifying setts and recording field signs.
• Prepare accurate ecological survey reports, assessments and mitigation recommendations.
• Support protected species mitigation strategies and Natural England licence applications.
• Act as Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW), supervising sensitive site works, delivering toolbox talks and ensuring compliance with planning conditions.
• Plan surveys around seasonal requirements and communicate ecological constraints to project managers.
• Maintain accurate survey records and submit biological records where required.
• Follow health and safety procedures when working on construction sites and undertaking early morning, evening and occasional weekend surveys.

Skills

Protected species surveys

Report writing

GIS software

Driving licence

Project coordination

Education

Degree in Ecology or related

Tools

QGIS

ArcGIS

CSCS card

Job description

Ecological Surveyor – Bats, Reptiles & Badgers

Location: London, Kent and Essex, with travel across the South East

Salary: £34,000–£48,000 per annum, depending on experience and licences held

Contract: Seasonal, March to October

About the Role

Service Care Solutions are recruiting for an experienced Ecological Surveyor to support a range of residential, commercial and infrastructure projects across the South East. This is an excellent opportunity for an ecologist with strong protected species survey experience, particularly in bats, reptiles and badgers. You will work closely with engineering and construction teams to identify ecological constraints, support planning requirements and ensure development projects comply with relevant environmental legislation.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out bat surveys, including Preliminary Roost Assessments, dusk emergence and dawn re-entry surveys, and acoustic detector analysis.
• Undertake reptile surveys, including habitat assessments, artificial refuge checks, population assessments and supporting translocation work.
• Conduct badger surveys, identifying and classifying setts and recording field signs.
• Prepare accurate ecological survey reports, assessments and mitigation recommendations.
• Support protected species mitigation strategies and Natural England licence applications.
• Act as Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW), supervising sensitive site works, delivering toolbox talks and ensuring compliance with planning conditions.
• Plan surveys around seasonal requirements and communicate ecological constraints to project managers.
• Maintain accurate survey records and submit biological records where required.
• Follow health and safety procedures when working on construction sites and undertaking early morning, evening and occasional weekend surveys.

Requirements

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Zoology or a related subject, or equivalent relevant field experience.
• Minimum of five seasons' experience undertaking protected species surveys, including bats, reptiles and badgers.
• Natural England Bat Survey Class Licence – Level 2.
• Previous experience as an Ecological Clerk of Works on construction sites.
• Good understanding of relevant wildlife legislation and protected species requirements.
• Strong report-writing skills and attention to detail.
• Experience using GIS software, such as QGIS or ArcGIS.
• Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and the statutory metric.
• Valid CSCS card.
• Full UK driving license and flexibility to work early mornings, evenings and occasional weekends during the survey season.
• CIEEM membership, or working towards membership, would be advantageous.

What is on Offer

• Salary of £34,000–£48,000 per annum, depending on experience and licenses held.
• Annual salary review.
• Pension, holiday allowance and mileage reimbursement.
• Support with additional Natural England licences, CIEEM membership and professional development.
• Varied projects across residential, commercial and infrastructure sectors.
• Opportunity to work within a supportive multidisciplinary team.