Full job descriptionPrincipal EcologistAre you ready to join a team of talented ecologists and shape the future of the environment?
Join our dynamic Nature team as a Principal Ecologist in our growing Newcastle, Manchester, Cambridge, Liverpool, Basingstoke, Croydon, Leeds, Nottingham, and St Albans (though other locations may be considered), and benefit through our flexible hybrid working model. At AECOM, we’re at the forefront of innovation, delivering an exceptional portfolio of Ecology programs and projects through long-term partnerships with key clients.
Presently, we are working on a wide range of projects, notably in the power and renewables, infrastructure, environment, and transport sectors, as well as collaborating with other technical disciplines such as landscape, engineering, sustainability, and drainage. Our recent projects have included several of the largest solar farms to have gained consent in the UK; energy transition projects; habitats regulations assessments of various plans and projects for local authorities; and masterplanning of new residential developments for local authorities.
Here’s what you’ll do:
*Lead and support delivery of high-quality ecological consultancy and advisory services to both internal and external clients
*Oversee plan, schedule, and organize all phases of ecological project work, ensuring necessary resources, budgets, and controls are in place to meet both program and budget requirements.
*Support development of technically robust and pragmatic solutions to complex ecological issues.
*Lead and support production of ecology chapters for environmental statements and protected species license applications.
*Author or technically check project deliverables to ensure high-quality outputs.
*Support the continued development of our technical capabilities.
Come grow with us.
Become part of our dynamic Nature business, which boasts around 240 professional experts on arboriculture, forestry, groundwater, surface water, and ecology. The team includes national and global leaders located across the UK&I. From species license holders to experts in impact assessment, habitat creation, ecosystem restoration, enhancement, and management. At AECOM, you’ll thrive in an inclusive and forward-thinking environment where your contributions are valued.
Enjoy the perks.
At AECOM, you’ll enjoy a range of core and personalized benefits designed to support your future and well-being, customized to fit your lifestyle. Take advantage of career development opportunities, our flexible hybrid working model to ensure a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days.
QualificationsReady to push the limits of what’s possible?
Here’s what we’re looking for:
*Degree (or equivalent) in ecology or an associated subject.
*Membership of an appropriate professional institution and working towards or obtained Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Environmentalist status, and a holder of protected species survey and/or mitigation licenses.
*Experience of leading and managing ecological surveys/licensing/impact assessment, as demonstrated by suitable professional experience.
*Experience in work-winning, managing projects, project budgets, and leading stakeholder discussions.
*Experience of reviewing technical work and supporting wider team members.
About AECOMAECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design, and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social, and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to .
Freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location, or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, and pioneering mindset are championed.
You will help us foster a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds, and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.
AECOM provides a wide array of compensation, benefits, and well-being programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We’re the world’s trusted global infrastructure firm, and we’re in this together – your growth and success are ours too.
Join us, and you’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm – access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long-term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Please let us know if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.