At a Glance
- Tasks: Support aquatic surveys and analysis while collaborating with a dynamic team.
- Company: Join AECOM, a global leader in infrastructure consulting.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career development, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment and communities worldwide.
- Qualifications: Degree in Aquatic Ecology or related field; lab experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
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.
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, Leeds, Edinburgh and Basingstoke offices are currently seeking a Graduate Aquatic Ecologist. The role 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.
Here’s 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.
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 as is Laboratory macroinvertebrate analysis;
- 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;
- 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 AECOM.
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.
Aquatic Ecologist Graduate - Nottingham, Leeds, Basingstoke, or Edinburgh(February 27 onwards start employer: AECOM
At AECOM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our extensive career development opportunities, flexible hybrid working model, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us in the South East, where you can make a meaningful impact on transport planning while enjoying a range of personalised benefits tailored to support your well-being and professional aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aquatic Ecologist Graduate - Nottingham, Leeds, Basingstoke, or Edinburgh(February 27 onwards start
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like AECOM.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like AECOM and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Aquatic Ecologist Graduate - Nottingham, Leeds, Basingstoke, or Edinburgh(February 27 onwards start
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at AECOM.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. AECOM will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Aquatic Ecologist Graduate - Nottingham, Leeds, Basingstoke, or Edinburgh(February 27 onwards start at AECOM. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at AECOM
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at AECOM, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show AECOM that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.