Technical Specialist Ecology Team Lead
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
To support the delivery of the Aquatic Ecology strategy, a new Associate role is required within the Aquatic Ecology Group. The strategy focuses on expanding our in-house capabilities and enhancing service delivery across clients and projects. It supports strategic growth through investment in equipment, training and team development, while improving internal and external visibility and client engagement. By aligning with Arup’s goals of agility, collaboration and innovation, the strategy aims to deliver resilient, high quality ecological services and strengthen our market position in the UK and internationally.
The scale of opportunity for growth of the Aquatic Ecology service in Arup is significant. To capitalize on this opportunity, focused support to the Head of Aquatic Ecology is required to ensure that the objectives of this strategy can be met. Additionally, this role formalizes the Team Leader responsibility in the Manchester office.
Specialist overseeing all non-fisheries aquatic species/communities/habitats, e.g. aquatic botany, invertebrates, phytoplankton/benthos and habitats. Acting as the Nature network lead on watercourse BNG, interfacing across BNG, Water and Nature Groups.
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 –
· Relevant qualifications (e.g. BSc/MSc) and chartership (or be working towards chartership).
· Experience in aquatic ecology in consultancy and regulatory roles.
· Experience of leading ecology teams in a consultancy setting, with a positive track record of managing people with a high degree of emotional intelligence and focus on health, safety and wellbeing.
· Experience of aquatic ecology considerations in relation to engineering projects.
· Additionally, this role entwines the management of the Northwest and Yorkshire Ecology team which will include providing support for the Regional Nature Team Leader in the day-to-day management of the Ecology team in Manchester / Leeds.
Not ready to apply just yet, or have some questions? Please email Karin Spies at karin.spies@arup.com. 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 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. 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: Friday 21 November 2025
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