At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to conduct ecological assessments and surveys in diverse environments.
- Company: AECOM, a leading global infrastructure consulting firm dedicated to creating a better world.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, career development, and volunteering opportunities.
- Other info: Structured graduate programme with mentorship and opportunities for international projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree in Ecology or related field; strong field skills and passion for wildlife.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
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.
AECOM are seeking a Graduate Ecologist in our Belfast office. This is a fantastic opportunity to further your career by gaining valuable work experience within an established and successful consultancy.
About our Team: Our Nature team is part of AECOM's Environment, Water and Energy business, which delivers environmental management services for feasibility, designing innovative nature-based solutions, delivery and management of environmental impact assessment for planning and environmental due diligence to mitigate environmental risks. We work across terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments in a wide range of sectors: energy, water, government, manufacturing and transportation. Most of our work is based in the UK and Ireland, and there may also be opportunities overseas including Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Our ecologists work alongside architects, engineers, planners, economists and other environmental specialists on important projects. Together we provide the full range of ecological services including habitat and species surveys, impact assessment, advice on biodiversity mitigation, offsetting and enhancement, and management planning for biodiversity.
Here's what you'll do: In this role you will be working within a multi-disciplinary team on desk-based assessments and field surveys including preliminary ecological appraisal, UKHab Survey, biodiversity net gain data collection and assessments, and a range of protected species surveys. From time to time, fieldwork is likely to require working away from home and some working at night when surveying. In addition to field skills, good organization, research and planning skills are also required to support a team which works safely and to a high technical standard.
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.
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. As an Ecology Graduate with AECOM, you will be trained in technical skills, safety, project management and business systems. We'll support you with a structured graduate development programme to help you realise your full potential as an ecologist on some of the most significant projects in the UK, Ireland and overseas.
Graduate Development Programme: Our 2-year graduate ADVANCE programme is designed to help you build your career in AECOM. You will attend several 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 can 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.
Qualifications Minimum Requirements: 2:1 degree and above (or equivalent) in Ecology or a subject with ecological component - Ecology, Environmental Biology, Zoology, Environmental Diagnosis and Management, Wildlife Conservation/Biodiversity, Conservation Biology and Resource Management, Species Identification and Surveying, Environmental Science/Consultancy, Environmental Management and Sustainability, Biological Science, Geography. Keen interest and understanding of UK/Irish wildlife. UK/Irish plant and animal identification skills. Good practical field skills. Previous exposure to protected species surveys. Ability to record data efficiently and methodically. Strong Microsoft Office skills including Microsoft Word and Excel. Strong numeracy. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally & in writing with the confidence to engage with a variety of people and the aptitude to rationally explain, explore and discuss technical issues and capture feedback. Strong organisational skills and attention to detail. Ability to structure & prioritise work effectively through close cooperation with the team as a whole. Self-motivation, enthusiasm, hardworking, with ambition and drive. Strong report writing skills. Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate with colleagues. Commitment to continued education and improvement through our approved training schemes. Willing and able to visit other locations on company business. A full driving licence would be beneficial as the role will involve travel for site surveys with equipment and limited public transport access. Previous experience in the ecology sector would be beneficial, including work placements or relevant voluntary experience.
Preferred Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification in relevant subject. Proven experience of Phase 1 habitat or UKHab Surveys, Fossitt habitat, IVC and botanical surveys. Working towards obtaining protected species licences, such as bats, smooth newt etc. Membership of or working towards full membership of appropriate professional institution. Evidence of published work in ecology field.
We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. 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. 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 the UK 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. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivalled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities.
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. AECOM provides a wide array of compensation, benefits and well-being programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. 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.
Graduate Ecologist (Permanent) in Belfast employer: AECOM
At AECOM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our Belfast office provides a unique opportunity for Graduate Ecologists to engage in meaningful projects while benefiting from a structured development programme, flexible hybrid working options, and a commitment to employee growth through mentorship and training. Join us to make a tangible impact on the environment and build a rewarding career with a global leader in infrastructure consulting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Ecologist (Permanent) in Belfast
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the ecology field! Attend industry events, join online forums, or even reach out to AECOM employees on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences with field surveys, data collection, and any relevant projects. Let them see your passion for ecology and how you can contribute to their team.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Research AECOM’s projects and values, and think about how your skills align with their mission. Practise common interview questions and be ready to discuss your fieldwork experiences in detail.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through the AECOM website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Ecologist (Permanent) in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Ecology:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for ecology shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your interest in UK and Irish wildlife. We want to see your genuine passion for making a positive impact on the environment.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the job description. We love seeing how you can contribute to our Nature team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strengths!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at AECOM
✨Know Your Ecology Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of UK and Irish wildlife, including plant and animal identification skills. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of ecological principles and how they apply to the role, as this will show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Showcase Your Field Skills
If you've had any previous experience with protected species surveys or fieldwork, make sure to highlight that during the interview. Share specific examples of your practical skills and how they relate to the tasks you'll be performing at AECOM.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
AECOM values teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively in a team setting before. Share examples of how you’ve collaborated with others to achieve common goals, especially in an ecological context.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about AECOM's projects, the Nature team, or the Graduate Development Programme. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
