Senior Ecologist

Arcadis; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Arcadis is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join their team in Cambridge. The role involves conducting ecological surveys and assessments, with a focus on Biodiversity Net Gain projects. You will manage small projects and client relationships while providing technical advice and ensuring high-quality delivery on ecological aspects.

The ideal candidate will possess strong project management skills, extensive knowledge of ecological principles, and excellent reporting abilities. Arcadis is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Qualifications

• Experience in Biodiversity Net Gain projects.
• Strong project management skills for small to medium projects.
• Knowledge of ecological principles and relevant legislation.
• In-depth knowledge of plant or animal groups.
• Experience categorizing and assessing habitats.
• Proven track record in writing ecological reports.
• Basic experience in Habitats Regulations Assessments.
• Ability to lead surveys and manage survey teams.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and complete assigned tasks and projects.
• Lead small projects to meet time, budgetary, and quality targets.
• Manage ecological aspects of client relationships.
• Provide technical advice on ecological matters.

Skills

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Project management skills

Ecological principles

Field survey skills

Habitat assessment

Reporting skills

Client interaction

Survey management

Job description

Arcadis is the world’s leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. With over 36,000 people in more than 70 countries, we are dedicated to improving the quality of life and solving complex challenges.

Role description

As a Senior Ecologist, you will join a team of over 50 ecologists with more than 30 years of experience. You will conduct ecological surveys and assessments, advise on soil, land use, hydrological and sustainable drainage issues, arboriculture, ecosystem services, natural capital assessment, biodiversity strategies and metrics, and cultural heritage. The role involves working on projects across the UK and internationally, including urban and greenfield residential development, highways, rail schemes, power stations, and more, for clients such as EDF Energy, National Grid, the Environment Agency, Transport for London, Highways England, Network Rail, the Canal and River Trust, and housing associations.

Role accountabilities

This role focuses on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). Reporting to the Team Leader, you will coordinate and complete assigned tasks and projects, lead and manage small projects to meet time, budgetary, and SHEQ targets, and manage the ecological aspects of client relationships. You will provide technical advice and lead small to medium‑sized projects, ensuring delivery exceeds client expectations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Knowledge and proven experience working within Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) projects
• Proven commercial and project management skills for small to medium projects
• Knowledge of ecological principles, relevant environmental and EcIA legislation, policy and guidance
• In‑depth knowledge of particular plant or animal groups and appropriate field survey skills
• Experienced in categorising and assessing habitats from the plant communities present
• Excellent reporting skills, with a proven track record in writing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), and Ecology Chapters for Environmental Statements
• Basic experience in writing or assisting with project and/or plan‑level Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA)
• Experience of bid production and client interaction
• Ability to lead surveys and manage small survey teams

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day. We take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all employees. We believe that by working together diverse people with different experiences develop the most innovative ideas. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of how we improve the quality of life and we work closely with our people across six ED&I workstreams: Age, Disability, Faith, Gender, LGBT+ and Race. A diverse and skilled workforce is essential to our success.