Graduate Ecologist - Birmingham

Arup; West of England; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Arup is seeking graduate consultants to support its Nature team within Environment, Climate and Sustainability. You will contribute to ecological surveys, biodiversity assessments and environmental planning for high-profile projects, while gaining structured training and mentoring from experienced experts.

You will work with a multidisciplinary group, perform data collection and reporting tasks, and develop practical skills in ecological impact assessment and regulatory processes.

Qualifications

• Must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and be willing to undertake fieldwork and travel.
• Full UK working rights and a UK driving licence are required.
• Knowledge of UK ecology and legislation, plus strong technical writing ability.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills; proficient in MS Office (Word/Excel).

Responsibilities

• Undertake ecological surveys and fieldwork, supporting assessments and project design.
• Utilise GIS and data tools to collect, analyse and communicate ecological information.
• Assist in preparing technical reporting, including EIAs and related documents.
• Support biodiversity assessments and identify mitigation options.
• Collaborate with engineers, planners, landscape architects and clients.

Skills

Field surveys

GIS experience

Technical writing

Communication

Teamwork

MS Office

UK driving licence

UK ecology knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in ecology/related field

Tools

Survey123

ArcGIS Field Maps

GIS software

Job description

The Opportunity

We are seeking graduate consultants with diverse skills and interests in nature, ecology and biodiversity to join our Nature team within Environment, Climate and Sustainability, a multi-disciplinary service. Our graduates contribute to a diverse portfolio of projects, supporting the development of nature-related policy and guidance, environmental and biodiversity assessments, ecological field surveys, assessing and auditing natural capital and corporate nature-related financial disclosures, and the design and delivery of solutions that support nature recovery and net zero. The role also involves working with clients and stakeholders, supporting regulatory approval processes, managing environmental risks, and helping to deliver sustainable and resilient outcomes for projects and organisations. From your first day you'll join an unrivalled community of experts, where you will be supported and mentored. You'll help us to deliver effective and professional services for a range of varied and high- profile clients. You'll have a good level of responsibility from day one which will increase as you progress and broaden your skills.

• Undertake ecological surveys and fieldwork to collect data on habitats and protected species, supporting environmental assessments and project design, developing professional and technical skills through structured training and mentoring.
• Use a range of digital tools and technologies, including GIS, mobile data capture applications, remote sensing, ecological databases and data visualisation platforms, to assist with the collection, analysis, interpretation and communication of ecological information.
• Assist in the preparation of technical reporting, including survey reports, ecological appraisals, and sections of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Habitats Regulations Assessments.
• Support biodiversity and nature-related assessments, helping to evaluate impacts on ecological receptors, and assisting in the identification of mitigation solutions.
• Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams, liaising with engineers, planners, landscape architects, environmental specialists, and clients to help integrate ecological considerations into projects.

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 relevant degree; survey/ fieldwork knowledge/ experience; a full UK driving licence and willingness to undertake fieldwork and travel; knowledge of UK ecology and legislation; technical writing ability; communication & teamwork; competent use of Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel.

Skills and technical experience interested in:

• Experience of UKHab or Phase 1 habitat surveys; protected species survey experience (bats, GCN - Great Crested Newt, dormouse, reptiles, birds, etc.) and species identification skills.
• GIS experience.
• Experience of digital survey tools such as Survey123, ArcGIS Field Maps or similar.
• Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and the Defra Metric.
• Understanding of Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA).
• Membership of CIEEM (Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management at Student, Qualifying or Graduate level).

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 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.

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.

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.

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