Marine Ecologist

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.

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. However, it can be difficult to navigate exactly what needs to be done, or even to know where to start to implement a solution. But inaction could expose businesses to significant risks, supply chain disruption and potential consumer and investor repercussions. 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 currently looking to recruit a Marine Ecologist into one of our North offices, with experience of marine ecology and conservation, ecological assessment and seabed mapping. You will work as part of a team of 50 experienced ecologists within Arup’s northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland offices, within a wider multi-disciplinary Environment, Climate and Sustainability consulting team to deliver 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. This is a varied role, and your day-to-day responsibilities and requirements could include the following:

Assist in the delivery of marine ecology workstreams, providing a technical support role on large multidisciplinary projects including with relevant stakeholder groups. The schemes will include coastal, estuarine and offshore work in industrial centres and offshore developments across the UK, India, Middle East and Africa and Europe regions. Preparation of clear and concise reports, including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) and Marine Conservation Zone Assessment in support of Development Consent Order and marine licence applications conforming to UK Marine Strategy, Marine Strategy Framework Directive and Water Framework Directive;

Aspects of work are expected to include a variety of marine ecological assessment disciplines spanning benthic, coastal, pelagic, fisheries, marine mammals and seabirds in relation to proposed developments and environmental management strategies; Engaging with and selecting specialist suppliers and survey contractors to deliver any survey data required, and reviewing delivered products; Confidently and proactively supporting the marine ecological input to projects from bidding to delivery, including opportunity seeking, client meetings and output generation; Field survey work and review of existing marine and coastal datasets; and Data analysis of survey results, including managing the delivery of GIS outputs.

There are opportunities to work on projects in UK, Ireland, Europe and globally; plus, opportunities for flexible working. Due to the nature of our work, you will have the opportunity to develop a broad range of skills throughout your employment. Depending on your preference a position could be based in any the offices listed above and may entail travelling across Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland and the north of England as required, assisting teams in other offices as needed, depending on the location of your home office. We encourage our ecologists to demonstrate drive and self-motivation, a willingness to keep learning about the industry and a desire to effectively deliver an excellent service to our clients.

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 –

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, such as Marine Biology; Marine Ecology or Biology, Ecology, Geography, Zoology with substantial marine components (or equivalent); A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline, such as an MSc in Ecological Consultancy is advantageous but not essential;
• Associate Membership of CIEEM, or equivalent professional body and seeking to work towards Chartership. Post qualification experience, most of which will have been gained within a planning or environmental/ecological consultancy area;
• A full driving licence is essential; and Experience with marine license application(s)
• Experience of having worked in the consulting industry previously, ideally with a broad range of marine ecological experience; Client-facing experience;
• Experience of having used ArcGIS software, and using digital tools to deliver efficiency and innovation; Experience with scripting languages (e.g. R, Python) would be advantageous

Not ready to apply just yet, or have some questions? Please email Karin Spies at ***email_hidden*** . 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 .

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Karin Spies at ***email_hidden*** 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:

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: Monday 15 June 2026