Ecologist

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.

Watch this short clip to discover how Arup are shaping a better world and how you could be a part of it!

About this career opportunity

We have an opportunity for an Ecologist either based in Edinburgh or Glasgow. You will work as part of a team of 35 ecologists within Arup’s northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland offices, within 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, which helps to provide a hugely diverse and exciting workload. Due to the nature of our work, you will have the opportunity to develop a broad range of skills throughout your employment.

Your day-to-day tasks could include:

• Managing small projects and having defined areas of duties on larger projects, including managing input of ecological subcontractors.
• 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.
• Advising on biodiversity design, restoration/enhancement and integration of green infrastructure design and other nature-based solutions to secure biodiversity gain and strengthen climate change resilience measures.
• Confidently and proactively managing the delivery of ecological input of projects, including client meetings, project resourcing, project controls and budgets. 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).
• Data exploration of survey results, including managing the delivery of GIS outputs.

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 the following skills –

• 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.
• Knowledge in designing and carrying out ecological surveys as part of delivering EcIA and HRA and knowledge at managing sub-consultants and reviewing their performance.
• 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 due to the varied nature of the work being undertaken and emerging.
• Associate membership of CIEEM, or equivalent professional body, and seeking to work towards Chartership and a post qualification knowledge, most of which will have been gained within a planning or environmental/ecological consultancy area.

The position may entail travelling across Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland and the north of England as required, assisting teams in other offices as needed.   

Not ready to apply just yet, or have some questions? Please email Karin Spies karin.spies@arup.com

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 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.

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