When I started Flight Ecology, my plan was to keep my company as small I could - less people means less hassles, right? What I hadn't accounted for was the demand for bat surveys in rural areas, which often leads to a deficit of bat ecologists in areas like Cumbria.
Since starting my company in 2019, I have therefore ended being rushed off my feet every summer, even during the covid years! Although that might initially sound great, it is hard to manage all aspects of a business when you are always either heading out on a bat survey, recovering from a survey, or planning for the next survey! I am therefore looking to take a step back from the actual surveying side of things, in favour of getting a Lead Surveyor to handle this practical side of my work.
Obviously, this person would need to be an experienced bat surveyor (probably minimum of 3 seasons) and be knowledgeable about bats etc, but more importantly, they would need skills like organisation, being level-headed, problem-solving etc. Bat surveys don't always go perfectly to plan, and sometimes you have to pivot on the night and solve an issue quickly, to allow a valid survey to be carried out. It is the responsibility of the Lead Surveyor to make that happen without panicking or losing a night's survey in the process. I would, of course, always be there to help where I can, but I would need a solid person on site whoc I could rely on.
I am keen to be very flexible about this role and would be happy to offer this as a contracted employee or as a fixed term subcontractor position, whichever is the most appropriate for the candidate. It could form an excellent stepping stone for someone who is thinking of going freelance, but is not willing to commit to it just yet. Or maybe you are an established ecologist who is fed up of the paperwork and wants to get back to the fun bit, the surveys.
There is also opportunities to get involved with other aspects of Flight Ecology, such as the data analysis, reporting, daytime surveys, and training.
Pay would partly be dependant on experience and contracted hours, but would be minimum of £35 per hour for lead surveying. Lets chat about it and make it work for both of us.
The contract would need to start in April and would stretch through to September, at a minimum. However, there would be potential to extend the contract over winter, for the right applicant.
If you think that this role sounds like one you'd like to take on, and would like to come and work in one of the most spectacular parts of England, then please get in touch.
Skills needed:
Proven bat surveying experience (minimum 3 years);
Familiar with full spectrum bat detectors, infrared and thermal cameras;
Ability to work autonomously;
Problem solving;
Good with people;
Ability to drive and access to car;
Based in/near Southeast Cumbria (or happy to relocate);
Happy to work multiple evenings per week;
A bit about Flight Ecology bat surveys
Generally carry out a minimum of 4 surveys a week;
Predominantly rural residential, including farms, large houses, stateley homes, small residential;
Detectors: Echometer Touch, Peersonic, Audiomoths;
Cameras: Thermal scopes, Canon XA Cameras, Sony IR cameras;
Team of up to 20 freelance surveyors;
Friendly, flexible and supportive company.
If you would like to apply then please email me at rich@flightecology.co.uk or if you would like to discuss the role some more, call me on 07988 718463
Look forward to hearing from you, Rich
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