Senior 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.
The Midlands and West Nature team comprises 35 experienced ecologists and other nature consultants, within a wider multi-disciplinary Climate and Sustainability Services consulting team. We deliver an effective and professional service to a wide range of public and private clients, both in the UK and internationally. We have a strong pipeline of diverse and exciting projects including design and assessment of renewable energy, water industry and transport projects; biodiversity strategy and policy development; due diligence and corporate biodiversity reporting. Due to the nature of our work, you will have the opportunity to develop a broad range of skills throughout your employment.
Watch this short clip to discover how Arup are shaping a better world and how you could be a part of it!
The Opportunity
We are currently looking to recruit a Senior Ecologist on a permanent contract into our Midlands and West Nature team, to be based in either Birmingham, Bristol or Cardiff.
Your day-to-day tasks could include:
Confidently and proactively managing the delivery of ecological input of projects from bidding to delivery, including client meetings, resourcing (including selection and management of sub-consultants, project controls and budgets).
Management of more junior ecologists to help them develop their own careers and interests.
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.
Preparation/ review of clear and concise reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), species survey reports, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Appraisals (HRA), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments and Habitat Management and Maintenance Plans (HMMPs)
Managing and undertaking 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 analysis 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 –
· 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 is advantageous but not essential.
· Associate of Full membership of CIEEM, or equivalent professional body, working towards Chartership.
· Experience in designing and carrying out ecological surveys as part of delivering EcIA and HR. Experience of habitat design, management and monitoring.
· Experience of BNG and other metrics, 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 beneficial due to the varied nature of the work being undertaken and emerging.
· Experience of managing sub-consultants and reviewing their performance. Experience within a planning or environmental/ecological consultancy area.
· The position may entail travelling so a driving licence is important.
Not ready to apply just yet, or have some questions? Please email Karin Spies at karin.spies@arup.com. 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 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
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.
We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Karin Spies karin.spies@arup.com 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.
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: Friday 23 January 2026
“All applications will be considered, and we will make every effort to respond within 72 hours of receipt. Please note that response times may be subject to delays during the festive period
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