Principal Ecologist

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 Principal Ecologist in our growing Basingstoke, Cambridge, Nottingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Croydon, (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, GIS, 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; 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 the preparation of high quality and commercially astute bids and tenders for ecological services, notably in the energy, defence, and water sectors.
• 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;
• Lead and support delivery of high-quality ecological consultancy and advisory services to both internal and external clients, including through our check and review processes;
• 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 and reach;

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 Nature business, which boasts around 150 professional experts. Our Ecology team features national and global leaders across the UK and Republic of Ireland, specializing in species licensing, impact assessment, habitat creation, ecosystem restoration, enhancement, and management. Our Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) experts shape policy, guide practical decisions, and foster collaborative designs for positive environmental 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: 

• 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 work-winning, managing projects, project budgets and leading stakeholder discussions;
• Experience of reviewing technical work and supporting wider team members;
• Well-developed understanding of relevant wildlife conservation or in relation to a least one major habitat type or species;
• Membership of an appropriate professional institution and evidence of working towards Chartership (such as CIEEM or related. As we as excellent field skills in at least one specialist area including any protected species licences
• A full driving licence and willingness to visit other locations on company business

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! 

There is also potential for travel to North Wales, Scotland, and internationally.

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). 

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 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 using this email address [email protected]  if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.

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