Associate Ecologist

Arup; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm in Birmingham is seeking an experienced Associate Ecologist to lead projects in ecological design and impact assessment. The role will involve managing client relationships, supporting a team of ecologists, and focusing on impactful projects in the water and energy sectors. Candidates should possess a degree in an environmental discipline, have Chartered Ecologist status, and be skilled in ecological assessments. This position offers competitive benefits and a supportive work environment where you can grow professionally.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Income protection cover

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in an environmental or related discipline.
• Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) status required.
• Experience with Ecological Impact Assessment on major infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological design and assessment projects within the Midlands.
• Manage projects and maintain relationships with clients.
• Mentor and support junior ecologists.

Skills

Ecological Impact Assessment expertise

Project management

Client relationship management

Team mentorship

Biodiversity assessments

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science

Master’s Degree in Environmental Science

Chartered Ecologist (CEcol)

Job description

Joining Arup

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

Arup is an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, architects, consultants and technical specialists, working across every aspect of today’s-built environment.

Organizations and governments are becoming increasingly aware of the global nature crisis, their impact on it, and the need to move towards a nature-positive future. Our integrated nature solutions use nature’s own systems as a design guide, achieving healthier, more resilient environments that support and protect people and communities.

Watch this short clip to discover how Arup are shaping a better world and how you could be a part of it!

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Associate Ecologist to help sustain and grow our consultancy services within the Midlands Nature team, operating from a Birmingham base. This individual will focus on leadership of both projects and people. The role encompasses technical and project management aspects of ecological design and assessment projects across a diverse range of sectors, both within the UK and internationally. The role will be client-facing, taking a lead role with internal and external relationships to support targeted growth in nature-related services within our Climate and Sustainability Services (CSS) portfolio.

Strong technical expertise in Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and a proven ability to win work and maintain trusted client relationships. You will play a key role in supporting the delivery of an existing strong pipeline of major energy and water infrastructure projects in the Midlands and growing our impact in other sectors. As a Project Manager for nature-led commissions you will manage task delivery to high quality standards whilst delivering successful commercial outcomes. This will include core ecology services related to development, including due diligence and monitoring of international projects. The role will also support growth in emerging nature services, in areas such as natural capital assessment and corporate biodiversity reporting.

You will support the Nature Team Leader with operational management to maintain and grow a high-performing and supportive team of ecologists and other nature-focused professionals. You will work with peers to align resources and workload with future business needs. You will mentor and upskill junior colleagues, support their career development, and help maintain and grow a resilient team. This includes providing regular coaching and feedback, identifying stretch opportunities, and fostering continuous development. You will also support technical reviews, knowledge sharing and professional development, including chartership and CPD goals.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share, and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.

You will have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

We are looking for people with the following skills –

• Bachelor’s Degree and / or master’s degree in an environmental or related discipline.
• Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) status.
• Deep technical experience leading all aspects of Ecological Impact Assessment on major infrastructure projects, including within the Water, Energy and Transport sectors.
• Proven international biodiversity project experience, such as conducting Critical Habitat Assessments (CHAs), developing Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) and applying lender standards, particularly International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standard 6 (PS6).
• Project management skills in a client-facing role, with strong track record of delivering technically and commercially successful projects.

What we offer you :

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognizes the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Different People, Shared Values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Our Application Process

Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

Recruitment Agencies – We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.

Closing date : 16 January 2026

All applications will be considered, and we will make every effort to respond within 72 hours of receipt. Please note that response times may be subject to delays during the festive period.

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