We are Hiring!

We are recruiting Seasonal Field Ecologists for the summer survey season.

Seasonal Field Ecologists - Bat Surveys, 2026 Season

Location: Edinburgh and surrounding areas, travel required.
Contract: Seasonal/Casual (as required)

Scotland’s leading specialist bat consultancy is recruiting Seasonal Field Ecologists to join our team for the 2026 bat survey season.

About The Role

You will be part of our specialist bat survey team, completing Bat Activity Surveys for our diverse clients in Scotland. You will primarily complete bat emergence surveys, working before and after sunset to identify bats and bat roosts. You will be using bat detectors to hear and identify bats by their calls, supported by infra-red cameras as light levels decrease.

This is hands on fieldwork, ideal for those enthusiastic about wildlife and keen to gain practical experience in professional ecological survey work. You will work on an “as required” basis, often at antisocial hours. In return, we provide free training in the skills required and the opportunity to join a leading ecological consultancy, building the foundational skills and experience needed for a career in ecology.

We promote from within, so by joining as a Seasonal Field Ecologist, you gain access to development opportunities including training as a Survey Team Leader or Assistant Ecologist.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will:

  • Be willing and able to work on an “as required” basis at antisocial hours (evenings, nights, and weekends).

  • Have a genuine passion for wildlife and ecology.

  • Have, or be working towards, a relevant degree (e.g. ecology, biology, environmental science).

  • Be based in or near Edinburgh.

  • Have an interest in bats and other protected species.

  • Be able to work independently with confidence and collaborate with other members of the survey team.

  • Be reliable and flexible.

What We Offer

In return, you will receive:

  • Full training in bat survey techniques and equipment use.

  • Valuable field experience to support a career in ecology.

  • Access to development opportunities as we promote from within.

How to Apply

To request an application pack, please send a brief email to enquiries@daviddoddsassociates.com

Closing date for completed applications: 28th February 2026.