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- Tasks: Support aquatic surveys and analysis while collaborating with a dynamic team.
- Company: Join AECOM, a leading global infrastructure consulting firm.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, career development, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental projects and grow your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Aquatic Ecology or related field; freshwater experience is essential.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
About Our Team
Ecology is part of AECOM’s Environment business which provides environmental management services for feasibility, impact analysis and operational compliance as well as remediation, restoration and re-use of impacted property.
Our Nottingham or Leeds office are currently seeking 2 individuals to fill this role for Summer 2026.
The Graduate Aquatic Ecologist will support the delivery of consultancy and advisory services, including a wide range of fieldwork and site work opportunities, to both internal and external clients to a high level of technical quality and to programme and budget.
What you’ll do
- Support the delivery of existing and new contracts for the collection and analysis of aquatic survey data including fish, macroinvertebrates, crayfish, macrophytes, riparian mammals, River Habitat Survey etc.
- Conduct laboratory analysis of macroinvertebrate samples (family and mixed-taxon) in our Leeds or Nottingham laboratory.
- Assist with a wider range of terrestrial ecology surveys
- Work as part of the existing network of AECOM ecologists and water scientists within the UK and Ireland
- Communicate with line manager, project managers, clients, project teams and other members of the Aquatic Ecology and Water Environment team in person, by telephone, e-mail, letters and reports
- Comply with internal business management procedures, including in relation to health and safety and technical quality of all advice and outputs
- Contribute to maintaining internal and external client relationships, including providing urgent ecological response and/or advice as required
- Collaborate with colleagues in wider AECOM teams on multi-disciplinary projects
- Assist with other administrative duties which add value to the management and development of the team
Enjoy 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.
Here is what you will get from us
On the job support and learning
When a graduate starts at AECOM, we pair them with a senior member of the team who will guide and mentor them through their initial period working on live projects and business development tasks, to support with any technical queries.
Graduate Development Programme
Our 2 year graduate ADVANCE programme is designed to help you build your career in AECOM. You will attend a number of instructor-led training sessions where you will meet and hear from people across the business and take part in a series of interactive activities to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your role. Alongside the instructor-led elements of the ADVANCE programme, you will also engage with an online curriculum via AECOM University and have the opportunity to join the ADVANCE webinar series. We will provide you with all the support and tools you need to achieve your professional development ambitions, which may include Chartership with the relevant international professional institution. We are affiliated either with CIEEM (Chartered Inst of Ecology and Env Management) or IFM (Inst of Fisheries Management).
We have more than 750 graduates on our programmes across the UK and Ireland from more than 40 different disciplines, each making a tangible difference to the environment in which we live and work.
See our digital early careers e-brochure here
Qualifications
Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?
Here’s what we’re looking for:
- A degree (preferably MSc or higher, but BSc considered) in Aquatic Ecology/ Ecology or related discipline (Freshwater Biology, Marine/ Ecology/ Zoology) would be an advantage, as would previous commercial and/or regulatory experience.
- Freshwater experience is essential
- The successful candidate will understand some or all the following: aquatic ecology and surveys such as fish, macroinvertebrates, crayfish, macrophytes, riparian mammals and/or River Habitat Survey.
- Microsoft Office skills essential such as Word, Excel & PowerPoint
- Ability to structure & prioritise work effectively through close cooperation with the team as a whole
- Solid attention to detail
- Strong numeracy
- Ability to communicate effectively to internal and external clients, both verbally & in writing with the confidence to engage with a variety of people (clients, colleagues, stakeholders and sub-contractors alike) and the aptitude to rationally explain, explore and discuss technical issues and capture feedback
Desirable
- Full driving license and willingness to travel on occasion is desirable (some site travel with equipment may be required)
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 ReasonableAccommodations@aecom.com
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!
Additional Information
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible since CVs will be reviewed, and candidates selected on a rolling recruitment basis for either immediate or advanced offer start.
Please include a covering letter with your application and provide all predicted and/or obtained academic grades.
You must have permanent right to work in Ireland as we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.
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 ReasonableAccommodations@aecom.com if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
ReqID: REF53190W
Business Line: Environment
Business Group: DCS
Strategic Business Unit: Europe & India
Career Area: Science
Work Location Model: Hybrid
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Aquatic Ecologist Graduate - Nottingham or Leeds - start Summer 2026 employer: AECOM
Contact Detail:
AECOM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Aquatic Ecologist Graduate - Nottingham or Leeds - start Summer 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current AECOM employees on LinkedIn or at events. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Aquatic Ecologist role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your aquatic ecology knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific surveys and methodologies you’ve learned about. Show us that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to explain complex ecological concepts clearly. Try explaining what you know to friends or family, and get their feedback. The clearer you are, the more confident you’ll feel in interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the AECOM team. Get your application in early to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Aquatic Ecologist Graduate - Nottingham or Leeds - start Summer 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Aquatic Ecologist role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in aquatic ecology and any fieldwork you've done. We want to see how your background fits with what we do!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about aquatic ecology and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your Microsoft Office skills and any laboratory experience you have. We’re looking for attention to detail and strong numeracy, so make sure these come through in your application.
Apply Early!: We review applications on a rolling basis, so don’t wait until the last minute! Head over to our website and get your application in as soon as you can. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at AECOM
✨Know Your Aquatic Ecology Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of aquatic ecology, especially the specific surveys mentioned in the job description like fish and macroinvertebrates. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your passion and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Since collaboration is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before. Highlight any experiences where you communicated effectively with colleagues or clients, as this will demonstrate your ability to fit into AECOM's collaborative culture.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Review common aquatic ecology scenarios and think about how you would approach them. This will help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or the graduate development programme. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if AECOM is the right fit for you.