Senior / Principal Ecologist
Senior / Principal Ecologist

Senior / Principal Ecologist

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

  • Tasks: Prepare ecological reports and advise on biodiversity strategies for diverse projects.
  • Company: Join Arup, a leading firm in design and engineering with a focus on sustainability.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, health benefits, learning opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while working on exciting projects across the UK.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Ecology or related field; experience in consulting preferred.
  • Other info: Mentorship opportunities and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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

Join to apply for the Senior / Principal Ecologist role at Arup.

We are currently looking to recruit Senior / Principal Ecologists on a permanent contract into a range of offices including York, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh. You will work as part of a team of 45 experienced ecologists within Arup’s North geography (northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland offices). Projects can vary greatly in nature and duration, which helps to provide a hugely diverse and exciting workload, and will include renewable energy, water industry, transport and data centre projects.

About this career opportunity… 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.

Responsibilities

  • 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.
  • Experience 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.
  • Advising on restoration/enhancement of habitats, biodiversity design and integration of green infrastructure design and other nature-based solutions to secure biodiversity gain and strengthen climate change resilience measures.
  • 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. bats, otter and badger).
  • Mentoring junior staff to help them develop their own careers.

Qualifications

  • 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. Membership of CIEEM or equivalent professional body and seeking to work towards Chartership.
  • A full driving licence is essential.
  • Experience of having worked in the consulting industry previously, ideally with a broad range of ecological experience. Client-facing experience.
  • Experience of having used ArcGIS software and using digital tools to deliver efficiency and innovation.
  • Experience of BNG and other metrics such as Building with Nature, natural capital, environmental net gain studies, site and corporate biodiversity strategies, TNFD, IFC PS6, and nature-related policies would be beneficial.
  • Specialism in a specific topic such as ornithology, HRA, BNG, aquatic ecology etc.

Job Details

  • Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
  • Employment type: Full‑time
  • Job function: Consulting, Engineering, and Strategy/Planning
  • Industries: Business Consulting and Services, Design Services, and Environmental Services

Benefits

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 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 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.

Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

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.

Equal Opportunity

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.

Contact

Not ready to apply just yet, or have some questions? Please email Karin Spies at karin.spies@arup.com. Please note, to keep GDPR compliant do not send your CV directly to us via this email.

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.

Referral program: Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Arup by 2x.

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Senior / Principal Ecologist employer: Arup

Arup is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its employees, offering a diverse range of projects across northern England and Scotland. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, team members enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive health benefits, and ample opportunities for professional development in a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Joining Arup means being part of a forward-thinking firm where your contributions make a meaningful impact on the environment and society.
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Contact Detail:

Arup Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow ecologists and professionals in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research Arup and their projects, especially in renewable energy and biodiversity. We want to see your passion for ecology shine through, so think about how your experience aligns with their values and goals.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your reports or projects, especially those involving BNG assessments or ecological impact studies. We love seeing tangible evidence of your expertise, so make sure you’re ready to discuss your work in detail.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the ecological field, so let’s get your application in!

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

Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA)
Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA)
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments
Natural capital / environmental net gain studies
Field survey work (Phase 1 Habitat/UKHab surveys)
Protected species survey licences
Mentoring junior staff
Client-facing experience
ArcGIS software
Biodiversity design
Green infrastructure design
Nature-based solutions
Restoration/enhancement of habitats
Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD)
International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standard 6

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 specific projects that align with what Arup is looking for.

Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your expertise in preparing reports like PEAs and EcIAs. If you’ve got experience with BNG assessments or using ArcGIS, make it stand out – we want to see how you can contribute to our diverse projects!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so ensure your reports and experiences are easy to read and understand. This reflects your ability to communicate effectively in the role.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Arup

✨Know Your Ecology Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your ecological knowledge, especially around topics like Biodiversity Net Gain and Ecological Impact Assessments. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role at Arup.

✨Showcase Your Report Writing Skills

Since you'll be preparing reports like Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, practice summarising complex information clearly and concisely. Bring examples of your previous reports to the interview to demonstrate your writing prowess.

✨Demonstrate Client-Facing Experience

Arup values client interaction, so be prepared to share experiences where you've successfully communicated with clients or stakeholders. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to build strong relationships.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Digital Tools

As experience with ArcGIS and other digital tools is essential, make sure you can discuss how you've used these in past roles. If possible, bring along a portfolio or examples of your work that showcase your tech-savviness in ecological consultancy.

Senior / Principal Ecologist
Arup
Location: Edinburgh

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