Ecologist
Southern Scientific Services are an Irish owned and operated environmental consultancy and testing facility. We are passionate about applying science to deliver integrated scientific and environmental services and solutions to society.
Our company is home to highly qualified and experienced scientists who deliver a range of analytical and specialist consulting services to our clients in the ecological, environmental, agricultural, food, and pharmaceutical sectors. Our planning and environmental consultancy services ensure our clients that their operations are developed and operated in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner and in compliance with their regulatory requirements.
We are seeking a skilled and experienced Ecologist to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate will initially focus on an existing bat project, conducting primarily 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 Elements about the role
•The field work is to take place in the central Limerick area with remote working possible when carrying out desk work.
•Field work will mainly be undertaken during the summer months. Initial work will primarily involve carrying out bat activity surveys. As a result, night/evening work will be required.
•Desk work will also be required in the form of data analysis and GIS work.
•Outside of the active bat season the Ecologist will be involved in a variety of other ecological projects.
Key responsibilities
•Conduct bat surveys, including roost assessments, emergence/re-entry counts, activity surveys, and static monitoring.
•Apply knowledge of survey methodologies, data analysis, and reporting, ensuring compliance with current legislation and guidelines.
•Participate in daytime and nighttime surveys as required for projects.
•Maintain accurate, high quality detailed field notes including accurate mapping of data records and produce high-quality, detailed reports for clients and stakeholders.
•Analysing data utilising software provided and produce data in the form of GIS and monthly progress reports.
•Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
•Work with the appointed Project Ecologist ensuring timelines and budgets are met.
•Assist in non-bat surveys as required, these are to include habitat surveys, appropriate assessment site visits, protected species surveys, invasive species surveys, bird surveys, reptile surveys and amphibian surveys.
•Drafting of baseline ecological reports using in house formatting and styles.
•To ensure maximum flexibility and to reflect the company's evolving needs, you may be asked to perform additional tasks that may be reasonably expected within your level of capability.
•A full clean driver's license and access to a vehicle is a requirement.
Full training will be provided in all aspects of the project. The Ecologist will have weekly meetings with the Ecology team.
Person Specification
•Bachelor's degree in Ecology/ Environmental science or related discipline.
•Minimum 3 years PQE as an ecologist, with significant expertise in bats and bat surveys.
•Comprehensive knowledge of bat survey methodologies, relevant legislation, and best practices.
•Experience using bat detectors and analysing bat data with tools like Kaleidoscope.
•Comfortable working independently as well as part of a team as required.
•Strong report-writing skills with attention to detail.
•Enthusiastic, interested and driven to develop skills and deliver projects to the highest standard.
•Ability to organise and prioritise workloads in a fast-paced environment.
•Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and during unsociable hours (e.g., nighttime surveys).
•Organise and maintain equipment as required.
•Experience of using GIS mapping tools (such as QGIS or ArcGIS) would be advantageous.
•Full clean EU drivers license and access to a vehicle.
•Membership (or eligibility for membership) of relevant professional organizations (e.g., CIEEM).
•(Desirable) Experience managing ecological projects or leading teams.
What We Offer
·A chance to work on meaningful Ecology and Environmental projects.
·Opportunities for professional growth and development.
·A supportive team environment with flexible working arrangements where possible.
·Competitive salary and benefits package.
Job Type: Full-time
Schedule:
•8 hour shift
•Monday to Friday
•Nights as needed
•Weekend availability
Ability to commute/relocate:
•Limerick, CO. Limerick: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
•Bachelor's (required)
Licence/Certification:
•Driver's license (required)
Work Location: On the road/remote
For more information or a confidential conversation about this role, or to Apply with your CV please email – Kate Handel – at - kateh@southernscientificireland.com