Principal Ecologist - BNG Specialist in Newcastle

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.

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 Biodiversity Net Gain Specialist in our growing Manchester, Basingstoke, Croydon, Bristol, Cambridge, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham and Birmingham offices (we may also consider other locations across the UK), as well as taking advantage of our flexible hybrid working model. Our BNG team are working on a range of projects across the UK including a new electrical transmission line for National Grid, rail projects including the TransPennine Route Upgrade, nationally significant blue and green hydrogen production facilities, solar farm projects, in addition to various water and highways projects.

In this role, you will deliver biodiversity net gain (BNG) assessments for infrastructure and development projects across the UK. Our supportive environment offers both internal and external training opportunities within a nurturing mentoring and coaching framework.

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Work on delivery of ecological BNG inputs for both internal and external clients;
• Produce and technically review a range of biodiversity assessments including BNG feasibility and design stage reports, NBB assessments and BNG assessments;
• Work closely with our BNG lead for UK&I to continue to develop our BNG Vision as the area of biodiversity develops across the UK;
• Work on the upskilling of ecologists across the business;
• Support 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;
• Work closely with our digital and data teams to continue development of our digital biodiversity tools;
• Lead the production of bids and tenders for ecological and BNG 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.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Degree (or equivalent) in ecology or an associated subject, and a membership of an appropriate professional institution;
• Experience of leading BNG assessments on large scale infrastructure projects;
• Excellent knowledge of relevant legislation and policy;
• Experience of interpreting UKHabs data and Habitat Condition Assessments;
• Experience of reviewing technical work, supporting wider team members, and bidding/tendering.

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. 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!

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. We’re the world’s trusted global infrastructure firm, and we’re in this together – your growth and success are ours too.