Ecologist

Description - External

Joining Arup

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.

The Opportunity

We are seeking two Ecologists to join our growing North Nature Team based in Belfast. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a diverse portfolio of infrastructure, development and environmental projects, supporting clients in delivering positive biodiversity outcomes and sustainable development solutions.

Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you will provide ecological consultancy support across a range of projects from initial assessment through to delivery, helping clients navigate environmental legislation, biodiversity requirements and nature-based solutions.

One of the positions would be particularly suited to a candidate with specialist bat survey experience and relevant bat licences.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake and support ecological surveys, including UKHab, Phase 1 Habitat and protected species surveys.
• Prepare high-quality ecological reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
• Support the delivery of Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA), Environmental Statements and ecological mitigation strategies.
• Interpret ecological survey findings and contribute to evidence-based recommendations.
• Apply biodiversity metrics and support natural capital and environmental net gain assessments.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary project teams and external stakeholders.
• Manage smaller projects and coordinate specialist ecological subcontractors where required.

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Ecology, Biology, Zoology, Environmental Science, Geography or a related discipline.
• Experience undertaking ecological surveys and ecological reporting within a consultancy or similar professional environment.
• Working knowledge of UK environmental legislation, planning policy and ecological assessment processes.
• Experience preparing ecological reports such as PEAs, EcIAs and protected species survey reports.
• Understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain principles and ecological metric calculations.
• Experience using GIS software, preferably ArcGIS.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for site work.

Desirable Requirements

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and natural capital projects.
• Protected species survey licences, particularly bat licences.
• Experience supporting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) projects.
• Interest in wider environmental advisory services, including biodiversity strategy, TNFD and nature-related risk and opportunities.

What We're Looking For

We would like to hear from motivated ecologists who combine strong technical capability with a passion for delivering practical, sustainable solutions. You will be keen to develop your career within a collaborative team environment and contribute to projects that create positive outcomes for nature, communities and clients.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application and for the duration of employment. Any offer made will be subject to satisfactory proof of immigration status.

Not ready to apply just yet, or have some questions? Please email Lei Padua at Lei**[email protected]**. 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 Lei Padua at[email protected]. 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: 26 November 2026

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We may close the role earlier than the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications, so please ensure you apply early.