Senior​/Principal Ecologist

Arup Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Join to apply for the Senior / Principal Ecologist role at Arup

Arup Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

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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…