Providing a reference for a species licence application
Some applications will need you to provide one or more references. This happens when the licensed nominated ecologist has not held a relevant species licence before, or if the work requires specialist practical skills.
When you need a reference
You will need to provide a reference if:
- you are applying for a licence and your nominated licenced ecologist has not previously held a species licence for the same species and activities
- you plan to use techniques or equipment that require specialist skills
- you are applying to handle bats
- you are changing your licensed nominated ecologist and they haven’t been licensed for the same species and activities before
A reference helps us confirm that you have the experience and skills needed to carry out licensable activities safely.
Who can give your reference
The person giving your reference must:
- have read your licence application form
- have experience working with the species, methods and equipment you plan to use
- have held a relevant species licence for at least 2 years
- have worked with you, or observed your work, for at least one survey season
Additional rules for bat‑handling applications
If you are applying to handle bats, your referee must also:
- hold a current licence to handle bats
- have observed you handling bats
This allows us to confirm that you have the necessary practical skills to handle bats safely.
Who cannot give your reference
Your referee cannot be someone who:
- does not have experience with the species, methods or equipment you plan to use
- cannot confirm your practical skills first hand
- is a family member
-
works with you if your other referee also works with you (your two referees must be independent of each other)
How to submit a reference
Your referee must submit an online reference form.
They will need to:
- complete the reference form in full
- upload any information we ask for, such as copies of their own licence
- submit the form online
The completed reference form will be sent directly to you. You must attach this to your species licence application.