Graduate Ecologist 2027

Bright Network; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Arup invites graduates to join the North geography Nature team as ecologists and biodiversity specialists. You will contribute to ecology field surveys, policy guidance, and nature-based solutions across diverse projects, helping deliver biodiversity gains and net-zero objectives.

We seek recent graduates with a degree in Ecology or Environmental Science, strong communication and teamwork, and skills in ArcGIS and digital tools, with eligibility to work in the UK.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related field.
• Eligibility to work in the UK (no sponsorship) and recent graduation or on track to graduate.
• Strong written and verbal communication; collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Support ecology field surveys and reporting (PEA, EcIA, HRA, BNG).
• Assist with biodiversity policy, guidance, and nature-based solutions.
• Contribute to restoration and enhancement planning for habitats and green infrastructure.
• Engage with clients and project teams to deliver biodiversity outcomes.

Skills

Ecology knowledge

Team collaboration

Verbal & written communication

ArcGIS

Digital tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

You see the world through a unique lens and that’s exactly what we need. We embrace how you see things differently – it’s essential for creating a sustainable future.

Arup is a global consultancy with advisory and technical expertise across more than 150 disciplines. We guide, plan and design the future of the built environment. Globally, each year we recruit hundreds of graduates and students who help us see things differently and solve the most complex challenges facing our clients, climate and communities.

The opportunity

You will work as part of a team of 50+ experienced ecologists, nature and biodiversity specialists within Arup’s North geography (northern England and Scotland). The Nature team is within a wider multi-disciplinary Environment, Climate and Sustainability Services consulting team to deliver an effective and professional service to a wide range of clients. Projects can vary greatly in nature and duration, which helps to provide a hugely diverse and exciting workload, and will include renewable energy, water industry, transport and data centre projects.

Our Nature team offers a service aimed at developing nature-related policy and guidance, optioneering and assessing development and corporate impacts on nature (including ecology field surveys), creative and innovative designs and implementation that will lead us to nature recovery and net zero, assessing and auditing natural capital and corporate nature-related financial disclosures, supporting stakeholder engagement, gaining regulatory approvals, and managing risk and controlling costs.

The following is a summary of the work that a successful candidate may get involved in, in supporting:

• Preparation of clear and concise reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), species survey reports, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Appraisals (HRA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
• Experience of BNG and other metrics (e.g. Building with Nature), natural capital / environmental net gain studies, site and corporate biodiversity strategies, Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standard 6, and nature-related policies would all be hugely beneficial due to the varied nature of the work being undertaken and emerging.
• Advising on restoration/enhancement of habitats, biodiversity design and integration of green infrastructure design and other nature-based solutions to secure biodiversity gain and strengthen climate change resilience measures.

Is this role right for you?

For this opportunity, we are seeking the following qualifications, skills and attributes: A bachelor's degree in relevant academic discipline, such as Ecology & Conservation, Environmental Science; Climate & Sustainability Science.

Skills and experience interested in

• Commitment to advising on best practice across all our projects and keeping up to date with relevant ecological legislation and policy guidance.
• Positive and collaborative attitude, with strong team-working skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Technical skills such as experience of:

• Experience of having used ArcGIS software and using digital tools to deliver efficiency and innovation.
• Experience of having worked in the consulting industry previously or have some relevant work experience.
• Commercial awareness.

To be considered for a graduate opportunity, your application must include a copy of your academic transcript and meet the following criteria:

• Full working rights in the country of application
• No more than 12 months of full-time experience in a comparable role
• Recently graduated, or on track to graduate, from your most recent degree, related to your role of choice, before employment starts.

Alongside your degree, we look for the following core attributes;

• Changemakers: A passion for sustainable development and creating a better world is key.
• Innovative minds: We’re looking for critical thinkers who embrace new ideas and challenge the status quo.
• Growth seekers: You have a growth mindset, always eager to learn and explore new ways of working.
• Adaptable adventurers: You’re ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.

Please note, in the event of high applicant volume, this role may be closed ahead of the advertised closing date. Early application is recommended.

Eligibility Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Therefore, you must ensure that you are eligible to work permanently in the UK without our sponsorship.

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 recognises 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 take an approach to flexible working that supports the diversity and wellbeing of our graduates.
• We also provide for our permanent members 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.

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 permanent members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

Next steps

We've designed our application process to be straightforward and supportive, giving you the opportunity to showcase your skills and potential. Applications are reviewed as they're received, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible.

The process includes an online application, psychometric testing, application review, case study, interview and offer stage. Our friendly Early Careers team is available throughout the process to answer questions and help you feel confident every step of the way.

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.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. We will do everything we can to support you.

As a Disability Confident Level 2 Employer in the UK, we will strive for one third of all our interview places to be allocated to candidates who have disclosed they are disability confident and best meet the requirements of the role.