Senior Ecologist

Senior Ecologist – Arup, Southampton / London, United Kingdom

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world. As an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, architects, consultants and technical specialists, we deliver integrated nature solutions that use nature’s own systems as a design guide, achieving healthier, more resilient environments that support and protect people and communities.

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, providing a hugely diverse and exciting workload.

Due to the nature of our work, you will develop a broad range of skills throughout your employment.

• Manage small‑medium projects and have defined areas of responsibility on larger projects, including managing the input of ecological subcontractors.
• Prepare clear and concise reports such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Species Survey Reports, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Appraisals (HRA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments.
• Advise on biodiversity design, restoration/enhancement and integration of green infrastructure and other nature‑based solutions to secure biodiversity gain and strengthen climate‑change resilience measures.
• Confidently and proactively manage the delivery of ecological input of projects, including client meetings, project resourcing, project controls and budgets. Conduct 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).
• Analyse survey data, including managing the delivery of GIS outputs.

• 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 an 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.
• Experience in managing sub‑consultants and reviewing their performance; post‑qualification exposure within a planning or environmental/ecological consultancy area is preferred.

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

If you have questions or are not ready to apply yet, please email Karin Spies at . Please note, to remain GDPR compliant, do not send your CV directly to this email.

Arup provides an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each member to our shared success. In addition to competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all 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, and flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing.

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.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Karin Spies 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.