Senior Consultant - Environmental Acoustics

ERM; Manchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM is seeking an experienced Acoustics Consultant on a three‑month fixed‑term contract to deliver a defined programme of noise and vibration work for a major client project in energy and infrastructure sectors.

From day one you will lead the acoustics scope, manage technical reporting, conduct field surveys, modelling, and ensure compliance with BS 5228, BS 4142 and related standards, while providing guidance to junior staff and coordinating with design teams.

Qualifications

• Degree in acoustics/physics/engineering or IOA Diploma.
• Corporate membership of the Institute of Acoustics (MIOA) or Associate Member (AMIOA) with progression.
• Substantial post‑qualification experience in environmental acoustics consultancy in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of noise and vibration assessments across projects, from scoping to final reporting.
• Design, oversee and quality‑assure baseline environmental noise surveys, including instrumentation and survey duration.
• Undertake noise and vibration modelling for construction and operations using industry software.
• Prepare construction noise and vibration assessments per BS 5228/4142.
• Deliver acoustic assessments for EIA and planning submissions under relevant standards.
• Author and review acoustics chapters for Environmental Impact Statements.
• Engage with regulators and stakeholders to support planning conditions.
• Provide guidance to junior colleagues and share knowledge across the team.

Skills

Acoustic consultancy

Technical writing

Independent working

Time management

Education

Degree in acoustics/physics/engineering or IOA Diploma

MIOA/AMIOA membership or progression

Tools

CadnaA

SoundPLAN

IMMI

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Acoustics Consultant to join us on a three-month fixed term contract to deliver a defined programme of noise and vibration work. You will lead the acoustics scope on a significant client project alongside a portfolio of live commissions across the team, working to agreed delivery dates on contracted work.

This is a delivery-focused role from day one. The scope is defined, the projects are live, and you will be working on technically interesting schemes in the energy and infrastructure sectors. It would suit an acoustics specialist who enjoys hands‑on assessment work and wants a well‑defined, high‑impact engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of noise and vibration assessments across assigned projects, taking technical ownership from scoping through to final reporting.
• Design, oversee and quality‑assure baseline environmental noise surveys, including instrumentation selection, monitoring locations and survey duration.
• Undertake noise and vibration modelling and prediction for construction and operational phases using industry‑standard software.
• Prepare construction noise and vibration assessments in accordance with BS 5228-1 and BS 5228-2, including the ABC method for trigger levels and PPV criteria for vibration.
• Deliver industrial and commercial sound assessments to BS 4142:2014+A1:2019, applying the rating level methodology and character corrections.
• Author and technically review acoustics chapters and technical appendices for Environmental Impact Assessment and planning submissions.
• Assess operational noise against relevant policy and guidance, including the NPPF, the Noise Policy Statement for England, BS 8233 and ProPG where applicable.
• Develop proportionate and buildable mitigation strategies, working with engineering and design teams.
• Respond to queries from regulators, local authority Environmental Health Officers and statutory consultees, and support the discharge of noise‑related planning conditions.
• Support the Project Manager on scope, programme, budget and change control for acoustics workstreams, including timely completion of timesheets and forecasts.
• Provide technical guidance to junior colleagues and contribute to knowledge sharing across the team.

Essential Criteria

• Degree in acoustics, physics, engineering, environmental science or a related discipline, or the IOA Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control.
• Corporate membership of the Institute of Acoustics (MIOA), or Associate Member (AMIOA) with demonstrable progression towards corporate grade.
• Substantial post‑qualification experience in environmental acoustics consultancy within a UK planning and consenting context.
• Demonstrable working knowledge of BS 4142, BS 5228 and BS 8233, and the ability to apply them appropriately to real project circumstances.
• Proven experience authoring noise and vibration chapters for EIA or planning submissions that have withstood regulator and stakeholder scrutiny.
• Competence in noise modelling software such as CadnaA, SoundPLAN or IMMI.
• Practical experience of environmental noise survey design, deployment and data analysis.
• Excellent technical writing skills, with the ability to communicate complex acoustic concepts clearly to non‑specialist audiences.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing deadlines and deliver to programme with minimal supervision.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to undertake site‑based survey work.
• Right to work in the UK for the duration of the contract.

Desirable criteria

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status, or working towards it.
• Experience in the energy sector, particularly renewables, grid infrastructure or major capital projects.
• Familiarity with Section 61 consent applications under the Control of Pollution Act 1974.
• Experience supporting DCO, Section 36 or major planning inquiry processes.
• Knowledge of construction site noise and vibration monitoring and management plans.
• Experience of underwater or offshore acoustics.

ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive, it’s an essential part of what makes ERM a great place to build a career and helps us create better solutions for our clients.

We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to support you. Our commitment doesn’t stop at hiring. Once you join us, we’ll ensure you have the tools, support, and adjustments needed to succeed and feel a true sense of belonging. Learn more about our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB) efforts by visiting our website or exploring our 2026 Sustainability Report.