Senior / Principal Ecologist in Leeds
Senior / Principal Ecologist

Senior / Principal Ecologist in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead ecological projects and prepare impactful reports for diverse sectors.
  • Company: Join Arup, a forward-thinking company committed to sustainability and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, wellbeing support, flexible benefits, and profit sharing.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in biodiversity and climate resilience while mentoring future ecologists.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Ecology or related field; experience in consulting and client-facing roles.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are recruiting for a permanent position in our North geography offices (York, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh) and you will join a team of ecologists delivering diverse projects across renewable energy, water, transport and data centre sectors.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare 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.
  • Advise on restoration and enhancement of habitats, biodiversity design and integration of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions to secure biodiversity gain and strengthen climate resilience.
  • Contribute to natural capital/environmental net gain studies, site and corporate biodiversity strategies, and related frameworks (TNFD, IFC Performance Standard 6, etc.).
  • Apply specialisms (e.g., ornithology, HRA, BNG, aquatic ecology) as appropriate and conduct field surveys (Phase 1 Habitat/UKHab, condition scoring for BNG, invasive species) and protected species surveys (e.g., bats, otter, badger).
  • Work on protected species licence processes and mentor junior staff to support their development.

Qualifications

  • Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Zoology, Geography or Biology (or equivalent).
  • A postgraduate qualification (e.g., MSc in Ecological Consultancy) is advantageous but not essential.
  • Membership of CIEEM or equivalent, with ongoing chartership progression.
  • A full driving licence is essential.
  • Experience in the consulting industry with a broad ecological background and client-facing experience.
  • Experience using ArcGIS and other digital tools to deliver efficiency and innovation.

What we offer

We provide an attractive total reward package, including competitive pay, wellbeing and development opportunities, and opportunities to work on impactful projects. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, and we offer private medical insurance, life assurance, accident insurance and income protection, along with flexible benefits to support you and your family.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Arup is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Our life at Arup and our internal networks support an inclusive culture aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

For accessibility support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact Karin Spies at karin.spies@arup.com.

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 bank details as part of our recruitment process.

Senior / Principal Ecologist in Leeds employer: Arup

Arup is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where ecologists can thrive while contributing to impactful projects across various sectors such as renewable energy and transport. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, professional development, and a diverse, inclusive culture, Arup provides competitive benefits including profit sharing, private medical insurance, and flexible working arrangements, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in ecology.
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Contact Detail:

Arup Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Ecologist in Leeds

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow ecologists and industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Ecologist role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current ecological practices and regulations. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence and show off your expertise.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your skills through a portfolio! Include reports, assessments, and any fieldwork you've done. This gives potential employers a tangible sense of your capabilities and helps us stand out from the crowd.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Arup.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior / Principal Ecologist in Leeds

Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA)
Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA)
Habitats Regulations Appraisals (HRA)
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments
Field Surveys (Phase 1 Habitat/UKHab)
Protected Species Surveys (e.g., bats, otter, badger)
ArcGIS
Client-Facing Experience
Mentoring Junior Staff
Restoration and Enhancement of Habitats
Biodiversity Design
Nature-Based Solutions
Natural Capital Studies
Environmental Net Gain Studies
Membership of CIEEM or equivalent

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior / Principal Ecologist role. Highlight your relevant experience in ecological assessments and any specialisms you have, like ornithology or aquatic ecology. We want to see how your skills align with our projects!

Showcase Your Reports: Since you'll be preparing various ecological reports, include examples of your previous work if possible. This could be anything from Preliminary Ecological Appraisals to Biodiversity Net Gain assessments. We love seeing your practical experience in action!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company culture there.

How to prepare for a job interview at Arup

✨Know Your Ecology Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your ecological knowledge, especially around the specific areas mentioned in the job description like Biodiversity Net Gain and Ecological Impact Assessments. Be ready to discuss your experience with these topics and how you've applied them in past projects.

✨Showcase Your Reports

Prepare to talk about the reports you've written, such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals or species survey reports. Bring examples if possible, and be ready to explain your thought process and the impact of your findings on projects.

✨Demonstrate Your Field Skills

Since field surveys are a big part of this role, be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience. Talk about specific surveys you've conducted, the methodologies you used, and any challenges you faced in the field.

✨Be a Team Player

Arup values collaboration, so highlight your experience mentoring junior staff and working within a team. Share examples of how you've contributed to team success and supported others in their development.

Senior / Principal Ecologist in Leeds
Arup
Location: Leeds

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