Senior Ecologist

Senior Ecologist

Cambridge Full-Time 28800 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead ecological projects, manage client relationships, and ensure delivery exceeds expectations.
  • Company: Arcadis is a global leader in sustainable design and consultancy, improving quality of life for over 36,000 people.
  • Benefits: Enjoy personal development, mentorship from industry leaders, and the chance to make a real impact.
  • Why this job: Join a diverse team tackling complex environmental challenges while creating a lasting legacy.
  • Qualifications: Experience in Biodiversity Net Gain, project management, and ecological assessments required.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion at Arcadis.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.

Role description

Arcadis is the world\’s leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

As a Senior Ecologist, you would be joining our team of over 50 ecologists with more than 30 years of experience undertaking ecological surveys and assessments, as well as the provision of advice on soil, land use, hydrological and sustainable drainage issues, arboriculture, ecosystem service, natural capital assessment, biodiversity strategies and metrics and cultural heritage. During this time, we have undertaken over 2,000 projects covering a wide range of environmental disciplines throughout the UK, in Europe and beyond, for public and private clients.

As part of our Environmental team, you’ll help improve quality of life. With your specialism in environmental management, or your technical or sustainability expertise, your work could involve protected species, pollution, surface water and materials management, air quality or noise. And in some of the world’s busiest and most beautiful locations.

Presently, we are engaged on a variety of large and interesting projects, including Urban and Greenfield Residential Development, Highway and Rail Schemes, Power Stations, Electrical and Gas Infrastructure, and are working for a wide selection of clients based throughout the UK, including EDF Energy, National Grid, the Environment Agency, Transport for London, Highways England, Network Rail, the Canal and River Trust, and Housing Associations. We are also involved in international work via Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessments and our natural capital community of practice.

Role accountabilities

This role has a focus working within Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). Reporting to the Team Leader, you will be accountable for the coordination and completion of assigned tasks and projects within the Business Unit or project team. You will be responsible for leading and managing the delivery of small projects to meet time, budgetary and Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) targets, managing the ecological aspects of the client relationship so that delivery exceeds client expectations. You will take a leadership role on small to medium sized projects, providing both direction and technical advice and leading by example.

We will ensure that we offer personal development which will allow you to progress your career and offer you the opportunity to be mentored by industry-recognised Technical Leaders in their field, who will lend you their experience and ensure that the training you receive will give you the best possible chance of success.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Knowledge and proven experience working within Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) projects
  • Proven commercial and project management skills for small to medium projects
  • Knowledge of ecological principles, relevant environmental and EcIA legislation, policy and guidance
  • In-depth knowledge of particular plant or animal groups and appropriate field survey skills
  • Experienced in categorizing and assessing habitats from the plant communities present
  • Excellent reporting skills, with a proven track record in writing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), writing or assisting on Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs) and Ecology Chapters for Environmental Statements
  • Basic experience in writing or assisting with project and/or plan-level Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA)
  • Have experience of bid production and client interaction
  • Ability to lead surveys and manage small survey teams

Why Arcadis?

We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone\’s contribution matters. It’s why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.

You’ll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you’ll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.

Together, we can create a lasting legacy.

Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day which is why we take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We believe that by working together diverse people with different experiences develop the most innovative ideas. Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of how we improve quality of life and we work closely with our people across six ED&I Workstreams: Age, Disability, Faith, Gender, LGBT+ and Race. A diverse and skilled workforce is essential to our success.

#Ecology2026

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Senior Ecologist employer: Arcadis

Arcadis is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises sustainability and innovation. With a commitment to personal development and mentorship from industry leaders, employees have ample opportunities for growth while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance quality of life in some of the world's most beautiful locations. Join us in creating a lasting legacy through impactful ecological solutions.
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Contact Detail:

Arcadis Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Ecologist

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) principles, as this role has a strong focus on them. Understanding the latest trends and regulations in BNG will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the field.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of Arcadis, especially those in ecological roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can give you an edge in your discussions.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to ecological assessments and management. Highlighting your hands-on experience will show that you can contribute effectively to their ongoing projects.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on recent ecological legislation and environmental policies relevant to the UK. Being knowledgeable about current issues will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and showcase your expertise.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ecologist

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) expertise
Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) knowledge
Project management skills for small to medium projects
Field survey skills for plant and animal groups
Habitat categorisation and assessment
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) writing
Client relationship management
Bid production experience
Team leadership and management
Knowledge of relevant environmental legislation and policy
Excellent reporting and communication skills
Understanding of ecological principles
Experience in Environmental Statements and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in biodiversity and ecological assessments. Emphasise your project management skills and any specific work you've done related to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for ecology and sustainability. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the role at Arcadis, showcasing how you can contribute to their mission of improving quality of life.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications and any certifications related to ecology, environmental management, or project management. This will help demonstrate your expertise and suitability for the Senior Ecologist position.

Showcase Your Reporting Skills: Since excellent reporting skills are crucial for this role, include examples of reports you've written, such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals or Ecological Impact Assessments. This will illustrate your ability to communicate complex information effectively.

How to prepare for a job interview at Arcadis

✨Showcase Your Expertise in Biodiversity Net Gain

Make sure to highlight your knowledge and experience with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) projects. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've contributed to BNG initiatives, as this is a key focus for the role.

✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills

Since the role involves managing small to medium-sized projects, be ready to share your project management experiences. Discuss how you've successfully led projects, met deadlines, and exceeded client expectations in previous roles.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions related to ecological principles, environmental legislation, and field survey skills. Brush up on relevant policies and be ready to explain how you apply these in practical scenarios.

✨Emphasise Communication and Reporting Skills

As excellent reporting skills are crucial for this position, prepare to discuss your experience in writing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Ecological Impact Assessments. Highlight any instances where your reports have positively impacted project outcomes.

Senior Ecologist
Arcadis
Location: Cambridge

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