Senior HRA Specialist​/Ecologist

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.

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

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

You will lead and support HRA work across a diverse portfolio of strategic planning, infrastructure, water, energy and nature projects, working closely with planners, SEA practitioners, environmental specialists and technical experts across the UK and Ireland.

Our current portfolio includes Local Development Plans, Strategic Development Plans, major energy and transport infrastructure projects, carbon capture schemes, water resource projects and nationally significant infrastructure projects. We are also actively involved in emerging areas such as Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs), strategic mitigation, Functionally Linked Land (FLL), planning reform and the future direction of HRA practice.

As part of a growing national HRA community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside some of the UK's leading HRA practitioners, contribute to project delivery, support business growth and help shape Arup's approach to emerging policy and legislative change.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective where individuality is encouraged 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, and to the clients and communities we serve.

We are looking for candidates with:

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• MCIEEM or equivalent
• Strong experience preparing, reviewing and advising on HRA for plans and projects.
• Excellent understanding of the Habitats Regulations, current guidance and relevant case law.
• Experience in assessing impact pathways including recreation, air quality, water quality, hydrology, nutrient enrichment and biodiversity impacts.
• Experience applying ecological evidence to planning, consenting, and environmental assessment processes.
• Experience working with regulators, competent authorities and multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong report writing, review and technical quality assurance skills.
• Knowledge of wider environmental assessment processes, including SEA, EIA and emerging Environmental Outcomes Reports (EORs).
• An interest in strategic planning, planning, reform, strategic mitigation and nature recovery.

• Local Plan and strategic planning HRAs.
• Appropriate Assessment and integrity testing.
• Functionally Linked Land (FLL).
• Major infrastructure and NSIP projects.
• Strategic…