Ecological Consultant

We are seeking a skilled Ecological Consultant to join our team at Southern Scientific Services. The successful candidate will initially focus on an existing bat project, conducting nighttime surveys. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your experience in bats while gaining experience in project management and making a tangible difference to ecological conservation.

Key aspects of the role include:

1. The field work takes place in central Limerick with remote working possible for desk tasks.
2. Field work primarily occurs during summer months, mainly involving bat activity surveys, which require night/evening work.
3. Desk tasks involve data analysis and GIS work.
4. Outside of the active bat season, the Ecological Consultant will be involved in various other ecological projects.

Responsibilities:

1. Conduct bat surveys, including roost assessments, emergence/re-entry counts, activity surveys, and static monitoring.
2. Apply knowledge of survey methodologies, data analysis, and reporting, ensuring compliance with current legislation and guidelines.
3. Participate in daytime and nighttime surveys as required for projects.
4. Maintain accurate, detailed field notes, including accurate mapping of data records, and produce high-quality reports for clients and stakeholders.
5. Analyse data using provided software and produce data in the form of GIS and monthly progress reports.
6. Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
7. Work with the appointed Project Ecologist to ensure timelines and budgets are met.
8. Assist in non-bat surveys as needed, including habitat surveys, protected species surveys, invasive species surveys, bird surveys, reptile surveys, and amphibian surveys.
9. Draft baseline ecological reports using in-house formatting and styles.
10. To accommodate flexibility and the company's evolving needs, additional tasks may be assigned within the candidate's capabilities.

A full clean driver's license and access to a vehicle are required. Full training will be provided in all aspects of the project. The Ecological Consultant will have weekly meetings with the Ecology team.

Requirements:

1. Bachelor's degree in Ecology/Environmental Science or related discipline.
2. Minimum 3 years PQE as an ecologist with significant expertise in bats and bat surveys.
3. Comprehensive knowledge of bat survey methodologies, relevant legislation, and best practices.
4. Experience using bat detectors and analysing bat data with tools like Kaleidoscope.
5. Ability to work independently and as part of a team as required.
6. Strong report-writing skills with attention to detail.
7. Enthusiasm and drive to develop skills and deliver projects to a high standard.
8. Organisation and prioritisation skills in a fast-paced environment.
9. Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and during unsociable hours.
10. Equipment organisation and maintenance as required.
11. Experience with GIS mapping tools (such as QGIS or ArcGIS) would be advantageous.
12. Full clean EU driver's license and access to a vehicle.
13. Membership or eligibility for membership of relevant professional organisations (e.g., CIEEM).
14. Desirable: Experience managing ecological projects or leading teams.