Full job descriptionPrincipal EcologistAre you ready to join a team of talented ecologist’s and shape the future of the environment? Join our dynamic Nature team as a Principal Ecologist in our growing Cambridge, St Albans, Nottingham, Birmingham, Croydon and Basingstoke offices, as well as taking advantage of 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; a cable tunnel below the River Thames; electricity network upgrades in Kent and Suffolk; a large scale water transfer project utilising the canal network; habitats regulations assessments of various plans and projects for local authorities; and masterplanning of new residential developments for local authorities.
In this role, depending on your interests and skillset, you will have opportunities to support on a variety of areas such as: using innovative survey techniques for species and habitats surveys, data capture and reporting; work winning; management of projects, Habitats Regulations Assessments; and Biodiversity Net Gain mentoring and coaching of the team. Our supportive environment offers both internal and external training opportunities within a nurturing mentoring and coaching framework.
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 organise all phases of ecological project work, ensuring necessary resources, budgets and controls are in place to meet both programme 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 licence applications.
*Author or technically check project deliverables to ensure high quality outputs.
*Support the continued development of our technical capabilities.
Become part of our dynamic Nature business, which boasts around 260 professional experts including national and global leaders located across the UK&I, from species licence 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.
And let’s not forget about the perks at AECOM. You’ll enjoy a range of core and personalised benefits designed to support your future and well-being, customised 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.
QualificationsHere’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 licences.
*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 come.