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 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 utilizing 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 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 260 professional experts including 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.
And let’s not forget about 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.
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 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.
Additional InformationAt AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.