Overview

We are an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants and technical specialists offering a broad range of professional services. Through our work, we make a positive difference in the world.

Our London office hosts the largest environmental team within the company, currently numbering around 50 people across a variety of different specialist disciplines, including ecology, environmental impact assessment, sustainability, cultural heritage, contaminated land, waste and air quality. Our environmental team sits within a broader planning and consulting team known as Consulting South. This diversity enables large and complex projects to be undertaken both within London and in collaboration with our regional offices and centres elsewhere. As a result, our people benefit from opportunities across a range of projects both from a skills and location point of view.

This is an opportunity for enthusiastic ecologist, who has a particular interest in aquatic environments, to join our existing ecology team of eight staff in London, which forms part of a wider UK network of close to 40 ecologists. Comparable numbers of ecologists sit in other offices in the West (primarily Bristol and Cardiff), the Midlands (Solihull) and the North-West (Leeds), as well as smaller centres elsewhere.

We have a secured workload of projects across London and the South-East, including some of the biggest infrastructure schemes in the region and the country, and require an aquatic ecologist to help in the delivery of projects and bids for new work, to be based in our office in Fitzrovia. You will benefit from working on a highly diverse array of projects of various scales and will be supported by a strong team structure and management. You will also be encouraged to explore the potential for various new ecological income streams and new clients, so there’s excellent scope for business and personal development in this role.

Role

As an Ecologist for Consulting South, you’ll be based mainly in London, with occasional travel to other offices and work locations within the region and beyond.

Your role will be to prepare, manage and execute (with supervision and support) the delivery of ecological services for internal and external clients within a wide range of projects sectors including water, energy, transport, residential and mixed-use development schemes. Good team working and communication skills will be essential, as well as flexibility, as the role will demand collaborative working with other ecologists and scientists to deliver challenging programmes of work.

Tasks will include a range of habitat and species surveys, as well as technical reporting and liaison with clients and colleagues within Arup. As such, the role will be likely to involve a dynamic split of time between office and field environments. Skills required are described in more detail below.

Requirements

Essential Skills and Knowledge:

·         Demonstrable skills and experience in aquatic ecology (primarily freshwater).

·         Field experience in a range of terrestrial ecological surveys – including habitat surveys and protected species surveys (for bats in particular).

·         Strong problem solving ability with innovative solutions.

·         Proven success of working in a team environment.

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·         Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines, while working on multiple projects.

·         Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office range of software and tablet technology.

·         Full driving license.

Qualifications:

·         Bachelor Degree in Ecology or related subject.

·         Preferably membership of CIEEM and ideally·

Desirable skills and knowledge:

·         Higher level degree with research background.

·         Experience working in a consultancy environment.

·         Ability to undertake surveys for white-clawed crayfish, otter and/or water vole.

·         Experience in Phase 2 vegetation survey work, notably NVC, and/or surveys for birds or herpetofauna.

·         Experience of BREEAM and/or Code for Sustainable Homes assessments.

·         Protected species survey licences (bats, great crested newts, dormice etc).

·         GIS mapping/analysis skills would be an advantage.

Reward and Benefits:

We offer a competitive salary at all levels, and one of the best benefits package in our sector.

Core benefits include cover under the UK Healthcare Plan (private medical insurance), Life Assurance, Accident Insurance, and Income Protection (long term disability) cover. Core benefits are funded by us and made available to all permanent staff in order to support and safeguard your financial, physical and mental wellbeing.  You will also have access to a grade-related Flexible Benefits Fund which you can choose to take as extra cash, or spend on a wide range of Choice Benefits to help with your work/life balance and financial security.

In addition all permanent employees are eligible for the Global Profit Share scheme. Subject to scheme rules employees can receive two Profit Share payments per year, which are dependent on the firm’s financial performance.

We are committed to equal opportunities.