Associate Director - Ecology

At AECOM, we are 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.

Join our dynamic Nature team as an Associate Ecologist in our Nottingham, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle or Liverpool offices (other locations across the UK may be considered). Our North of England regional Nature team are working on a mix of large infrastructure projects in the energy, water, renewables, defence and transport sectors, alongside managing smaller local projects. Our team is also supporting the wider AECOM Nature team with National and International projects.

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.

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; Habitats Regulations 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.

Become part of our dynamic Nature business, which boasts around 130 professional experts including national and global leaders located across the UK&I, from species licence 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 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’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.

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!