Ecology Officer (Bats)

About Us.

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Natural Environment Team sits within Environment, Assets and Transport Services and brings together Ecology, Trees and Public Rights of Way. The team also leads on delivering the Council’s Green Infrastructure Strategy, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and the North Somerset Nature Parks programme.

The Role.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Ecology Officer to join our Ecology Team, with a specialist focus on bats.

This is a new role created to support the delivery of the annual North Somerset Bat Survey project to ensure the continued engagement with volunteers and the collection and use of high-quality ecological data to inform decision-making. The role will contribute to the Council’s growing responsibilities relating to bat mitigation, including running our strategic mitigation scheme (North Somerset Nature Parks), and preparing Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRAs).

The role will also support the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain on Council land and play a key role in ensuring that development across North Somerset is supported by robust ecological evidence, timely advice and effective mitigation solutions by contributing specialist ecological expertise to planning applications.

In this role you will lead on the management and monitoring of bat mitigation in our Nature Park sites (including analysing acoustic data and finding additional suitable sites), support the sale of BNG and bat mitigation units and oversee the delivery of habitat monitoring and management plans for our BNG sites.

The Council actively supports the professional development of its ecologists in line with CIEEM guidance, including support towards species licensing and specialist skills development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and support delivery of the North Somerset Bat Survey, working with volunteers and partners to ensure 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.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style.

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 2-3 days in the office.
• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About You.

We are looking for a passionate and capable ecologist who is committed to protecting biodiversity and enabling sustainable development, and who brings a strong interest in bat conservation and applied ecological data.

Essential Criteria.

• 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).

What We Offer.

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.

We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements (for example condensed hours by arrangement)
• Local Government Pension.
• Opportunities for professional development (e.g. support for gaining and maintaining licences and CPD)
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team.
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How To Apply.

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information.

For further information about the role, please contact Esther Coffin-Smith, Natural Environment Manager, Esther.Coffin-Smith@n-somerset.gov.uk

Important Information.

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

Interview Date: Tuesday 14 July 2026.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities.

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.