Senior Ecologist / HRA Specialist

Arup; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Arup is seeking an experienced ecologist with strong Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) expertise to join our ecology team. You will lead and support HRA work across infrastructure, development and strategic planning projects, working with multidisciplinary teams to deliver robust, practical solutions.

This role focuses on navigating regulatory landscapes, applying ecological evidence to planning decisions, and delivering assessments across proposals from local plans to nationally significant

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• Chartered status or working towards chartership (Desirable)
• Strong experience preparing and reviewing HRA documentation.
• Excellent understanding of the Habitats Regulations and associated guidance.
• Experience applying ecological evidence to planning and consenting decisions.
• Knowledge of SEA, EIA and emerging Environmental Outcomes Reports (EORs).

Responsibilities

• Lead and support HRA work across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure, development and strategic planning projects.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver technically robust and practical solutions.
• Manage projects from individual proposals to local plans, regional strategies and nationally significant infrastructure.
• Provide expert advice on regulatory requirements and ensure compliance across assessments.

Skills

HRA expertise

Ecology

Regulatory planning

Education

Degree in Ecology/Environmental Science

Chartered status or working towards chartership

Job description

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for 80 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.

Organizations 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’re looking for an experienced ecologist with strong Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) expertise to join our growing ecology team.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex environmental problems, working at the interface of ecology, planning and policy, and helping clients navigate an increasingly challenging regulatory landscape.

You will lead and support HRA work across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure, development and strategic planning projects, working with multidisciplinary teams to deliver technically robust and practical solutions.

The role offers opportunities to work on projects ranging from individual development proposals through to local plans, regional strategies and nationally significant infrastructure projects.

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 to 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 –

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• Chartered status or working towards chartership (Desirable)
• Strong experience preparing and reviewing HRA documentation.
• Excellent understanding of the Habitats Regulations and associated guidance.
• Experience applying ecological evidence to planning and consenting decisions.
• Knowledge of wider environmental assessment processes, including SEA, EIA and emerging Environmental Outcomes Reports (EORs).

Not ready to apply just yet, or have some questions? Please email Karin Spies at [e-mail]. Please note, to ensure we remain GDPR compliant do not send your CV directly to us via this email.

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 members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

Arup offers a hybrid working model and flexible working arrangements to support work‑life balance. 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.

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. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Karin Spies at [e-mail] to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process

To understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process/

Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

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