Associate Director Ecology

Work with Us. Change the World. 

At AECOM, we’re delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations. 

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of nearly 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world. 

We’re one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Start here. Grow here.  

Are you ready to join a team of talented ecologist’s and shape the future of the environment? 

Join our dynamic Nature team as an Associate Ecologist in our Cork or Dublin offices (flexible office location across Ireland), as well as taking advantage of our flexible hybrid working model. At AECOM, we’re at the forefront of innovation, from large-scale ecological survey programmes to integrating nature into decision-making and investment planning, our team champions nature-based solutions.

Current projects include a large number associated with green energy generation and grid infrastructure upgrades. We also work on large-scale active travel projects across the country. We are working with clients to implement a Biodiversity Net Gain approach to their projects, and support local planning authorities with Appropriate Assessment of Local Development Plans. You will work closely with colleagues in Northern Ireland, Scotland and in the UK, and there are opportunities for international work elsewhere.

Here’s what you’ll do: 

• Lead the planning and delivery of ecological inputs for both internal and external clients ;
• Produce and technically review a range of ecological assessments including Preliminary Ecological Appraisal; Protected Species Baseline Reports; Ecological Impact Assessments; Appropriate Assessment; and Biodiversity Net Gain Calculations;
• Provide technical leadership to support the delivery of proportionate and pragmatic solutions;
• Lead consultation and engagement with clients and key project stakeholders including planning authorities, statutory bodies and the public;
• Play a key role in the continued development of our technical capabilities and encourage the embedding of innovation/research;
• Lead the production of bids and tenders for ecological services;
• Mentor and support both junior staff and peers.

If you're passionate about innovation and turning bold ideas into reality, AECOM welcomes you. Join our team, where we don't just construct infrastructure but also uplift communities and enhance lives. Why not give our AECOM page on LinkedIn a follow to stay updated on the impactful projects we're working on and see firsthand the difference we're making in the industry!  

Come grow with us. 

Become part of our dynamic Natural business, which boasts around 150 professional experts including approximately 20 staff across our Ireland and Scotland region, working from offices in Dublin, Cork, Belfast, Glasgow and Edinburgh. With a wealth of experience, knowledge, and specialist skill sets, our Ecology team includes national and global leaders located across the UK and Republic of Ireland, from species licence holders to experts in impact assessment, habitat creation, ecosystem restoration, enhancement, and management. Our Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) professionals not only influence policy and guidance but steer practical and collaborative design decisions that promote positive outcomes. 

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. 

Ready 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 an holder of protected species survey and/or mitigation licences;
• Excellent knowledge of relevant wildlife legislation and policy, and reporting skills;
• Experience of leading and managing ecological surveys/licensing/impact assessment (as relevant to your areas of specialisms) as demonstrated by suitable professional experience;
• Experience in managing projects, project budgets and leading stakeholder discussions, and bidding/tendering
• Experience of reviewing/verifying technical work and supporting wider team members;

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us at [email protected]. At AECOM, we value everyone's unique contributions and perspectives. 

If you meet some of the requirements above or have transferable skills you believe would benefit us, we would be delighted to hear from you! 

Interested in the role or curious about life at AECOM? Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to explore our AECOM voices, employee stories, latest projects, and much more! 

For further information about the role, reach out to the recruiter on LinkedIn (Melissa Moody). 

#LI-MM1

About AECOM

AECOM 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 $14.4 billion in fiscal year 2023. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.

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 culture of equity, diversity and inclusion – 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 and benefits programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We also provide a robust global well-being program. 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.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.