Ecologist in Belfast

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for 80 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.

Organisations 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. 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 are seeking an experienced Associate Ecologist to join our North Nature Team in Belfast. This is an exciting opportunity for a senior ecology professional to play a key role in the delivery of major infrastructure, development and environmental projects across Northern Ireland, Ireland, the UK and international markets.

As an Associate Ecologist, you will combine technical leadership, project management and people leadership responsibilities, supporting the continued growth of our ecology and nature-related services. You will lead multidisciplinary projects, develop trusted client relationships and contribute to the growth of emerging nature services, including natural capital assessment, biodiversity reporting and nature-positive solutions. This role offers the opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of projects across the energy, water, transport, buildings and habitat restoration sectors while helping to develop and mentor the next generation of ecological professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and ecology inputs for major infrastructure and development projects.
• Manage ecological commissions, ensuring high-quality technical, programme and commercial delivery.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while supporting business development and work-winning activities.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring and professional development support to junior team members.
• Contribute to the growth of nature-related services, including biodiversity, natural capital and environmental advisory projects.

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, Zoology or a related discipline.
• Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) status.
• Significant experience leading Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) on complex projects.
• Strong project and client management experience, including commercial responsibility.
• Excellent knowledge of UK ecological legislation, planning policy and assessment frameworks.

Desirable Requirements

• Master's degree in a relevant environmental discipline.
• Experience within the Water, Energy, Transport or Infrastructure sectors.
• International biodiversity project experience, including Critical Habitat Assessments (CHA).
• Experience developing Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) and applying IFC Performance Standard 6 (PS6).
• Knowledge of natural capital assessment, biodiversity reporting and nature-related advisory services.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a commercially aware and technically accomplished ecology professional who can confidently lead projects, develop client relationships and support team growth. You will be passionate about delivering positive outcomes for nature and communities while helping to shape the future direction of ecology and nature services.

Ideal Backgrounds

We would welcome applications from experienced ecologists currently working within environmental consultancies, engineering consultancies, infrastructure organisations or specialist ecology practices, particularly those with experience in:

• Ecological consultancy leadership
• Major infrastructure projects
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
• Biodiversity and natural capital services
• Water, energy or transport sectors

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.

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, 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.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Lei Padua at 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.

To understand what to expect next, please visit our website. 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: 26 November 2026. We may close the role earlier than the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications, so please ensure you apply early.