Senior Ecologist

Arup; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering and consulting firm based in the UK is seeking a Senior Ecologist. The role involves managing ecological projects, preparing detailed reports, and advising on biodiversity strategies. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and experience in ecological survey management. This position offers opportunities for professional growth and a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Flexible benefits

Profit share

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in managing ecological surveys and ecological impact assessments.
• Knowledge of environmental net gain studies and natural capital.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects including ecological surveys and reporting.
• Prepare clear reports for various ecological assessments.
• Conduct field survey work and data analysis.

Skills

Ecological survey design

Project management

Data analysis

Knowledge of biodiversity metrics

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Zoology, Geography or Biology

Postgraduate qualification in Ecological Consultancy

Associate membership of CIEEM

Tools

GIS software

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.

Organisations 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. However, it can be difficult to navigate exactly what needs to be done, or even to know where to start to implement a solution. But inaction could expose businesses to significant risks, supply chain disruption and potential consumer and investor repercussions. 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.

The Opportunity

We have an opportunity for a Senior Ecologist based at our head office in London or Southampton. You will work as part of a team of 16 ecologists who are part of a wider multi‑disciplinary 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. Due to the nature of our work, you will have the opportunity to develop a broad range of skills throughout your employment.

Your day‑to‑day tasks could include :

• Managing small / medium projects and having defined areas of responsibility on larger projects, including managing input of ecological subcontractors.
• 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.
• Advising on biodiversity design, restoration / enhancement and integration of green infrastructure design and other nature‑based solutions to secure biodiversity gain and strengthen climate change resilience measures.
• Confidently and proactively managing the delivery of ecological input of projects, including client meetings, project resourcing, project controls and budgets. Field survey work, such as Phase 1 Habitat / UKHab surveys (including condition scoring for BNG assessments and invasive species) and protected species surveys (e.g. for great crested newt, bats and badger).
• Data analysis of survey results, including managing the delivery of GIS outputs.

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

Is this role right for you?

We are looking for people with the following skills –

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, such as Ecology, Zoology, Geography or Biology (or equivalent). A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline, such as an MSc in Ecological Consultancy, is advantageous but not essential. Associate membership of CIEEM, or equivalent professional body, with an ambition to work towards Chartership.
• Knowledge in designing and carrying out ecological surveys as part of delivering EcIA and HRA.
• Knowledge 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.
• Knowledge in managing sub‑consultants and reviewing their performance. Post qualification exposure, most of which will have been gained within a planning or environmental / ecological consultancy area.

The position may entail travelling, particularly in and around London and more widely in the UK so a driving licence is important.

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 : 20 December 2025