Senior / Principal Ecologist

Arup; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Income protection cover

Career development opportunities

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Glasgow is seeking a Senior / Principal Ecologist to join their team of experienced professionals. The role involves preparing ecological reports, advising on biodiversity strategies, and conducting field surveys. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is essential, along with strong experience in ecological consulting and proficiency in ArcGIS software. This position offers an opportunity to work on varied projects impacting the environment positively. The firm provides a comprehensive compensation package, including professional development and health benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor's degree in a relevant subject.
• Postgraduate qualification advantageous but not essential.
• Full driving license required.
• Previous consulting industry experience preferred.
• Experience using ArcGIS software.

Responsibilities

• Prepare reports: Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments.
• Advise on restoration/enhancement of habitats.
• Conduct field survey work, including protected species surveys.

Skills

Ecology

Zoology

Geography

Biology

ArcGIS software

Client-facing experience

Education

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

Postgraduate qualification (MSc in Ecological Consultancy)

Job description

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Focus Market and Climate and Sustainability Recruiter Arup

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.

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.

About this career opportunity

We are currently looking to recruit Senior / Principal Ecologists on a permanent contract into a range of offices including York, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh. You will work as part of a team of 45 experienced ecologists within Arup’s North geography (northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland offices). Projects can vary greatly in nature and duration, which helps to provide a hugely diverse and exciting workload, and will include renewable energy, water industry, transport and data centre projects.

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.

Experience 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. Advising on restoration/enhancement of habitats, biodiversity design and integration of green infrastructure design and other nature-based solutions to secure biodiversity gain and strengthen climate change resilience measures.

Demonstrable specialism in a specific topic would be beneficial e.g. ornithology, HRA, BNG, aquatic ecology etc. 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. bats, otter and badger). Experienced with protected species survey licences. An interest, or experience in, mentoring more junior staff to help them develop their own careers.

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:

• 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. Membership of CIEEM, or equivalent professional body and seeking to work towards Chartership.
• A full driving licence is essential.
• Experience of having worked in the consulting industry previously, ideally with a broad range of ecological experience. Client-facing experience.
• Experience of having used ArcGIS software and using digital tools to deliver efficiency and innovation.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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: 25 January 2026