Principal Ecologist

Are 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, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Edinburgh (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; energy transition projects; habitat regulations assessments of various plans and projects for local authorities; and master‑planning 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 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.

Qualifications 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 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.

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 AECOM, we value everyone's unique contributions and perspectives. 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.