Joining Arup
Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 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.
Organizations 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.
Watch this short clip to discover how Arup are shaping a better world and how you could be a part of it!
The Opportunity
We are currently looking to recruit a Senior Aquatic Ecologist on a permanent contract into our Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham Manchester, Leeds, York, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Belfast offices. You will work as part of our Aquatic Ecology Group within our UK Nature team which comprises over 80 ecologists across our England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland offices. The Nature team sits within the wider multi-disciplinary Climate and Sustainability Services consulting team which delivers an effective and professional service to a wide range of clients. Projects can vary greatly in nature and duration, which helps to provide a hugely diverse and exciting workload.
1. Directing aquatic ecology surveys including River Condition Assessments, fish surveys, invertebrate sampling and protected species surveys.
2. Planning and coordinating aquatic ecology monitoring programmes, including developing approaches to monitoring, resourcing surveys, survey data management and quality assurance.
3. Carrying out data enquiries across a range of aquatic ecology receptors including fisheries, invertebrates, macrophytes and diatoms. This may include use of WFD classification software such as LEAFPACS and RICT, as well as hydro ecology data studies.
4. Advising on river and wetland habitat restoration such as restoration optioneering and working within a multidisciplinary team to develop detailed design of restoration measures.
5. Preparation of clear and concise reports, including Aquatic Ecology baseline survey reports, Water Framework Directive (WFD) Assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA); and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments.
6. Confidently and proactively managing the ecological input of projects from bidding to delivery, including client meetings, project staff resourcing, project controls and budgets.
7. An interest in, mentoring more junior staff to help them develop their own careers; and selecting and managing sub-consultants and reviewing their performance.
At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share, and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.
You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.
Is this role right for you?
We are looking for people with the following skills –
8. Minimum of a Bachelors degree in a relevant subject, such as Ecology, Zoology, Geography or Biology (or equivalent).
9. A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline, such as an MSc in Ecological Consultancy, is advantageous.
10. Membership of CIEEM, IFM or equivalent professional body and seeking to work towards Chartership.
11. Post qualification knowledge, most of which will have been gained within a public sector body or environmental/ecological consultancy area.
12. A full driving licence.
13. Knowledge with protected species survey licence(s) and MoRPh accreditation are advantageous.
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.
Our Application 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: 30 June 2025