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 growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental projects that matter.
- Qualifications: Degree in Aquatic Ecology or related field; lab experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ 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 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.
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).
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.
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 [email protected]
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.
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
Aquatic Ecologist Graduate - Nottingham or Basingstoke (Immediate/Summer 26 start) employer: AECOM
At AECOM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our Nottingham and Basingstoke offices provide a supportive environment for Graduate Aquatic Ecologists, with tailored career development programmes, flexible hybrid working options, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on environmental projects. Join us to benefit from mentorship, diverse training opportunities, and a commitment to your professional growth in a globally recognised firm dedicated to delivering a better world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aquatic Ecologist Graduate - Nottingham or Basingstoke (Immediate/Summer 26 start)
✨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 projects or experiences that relate to the job description. Show us your passion for the environment and how you can contribute to AECOM's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to explain technical concepts clearly, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or mentors. The better you can articulate your thoughts, the more confident you'll feel during the real deal.
✨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 you’re serious about joining AECOM and making a positive impact in the world.
We think you need these skills to ace Aquatic Ecologist Graduate - Nottingham or Basingstoke (Immediate/Summer 26 start)
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 surveys and laboratory analysis. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
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 specific ecological techniques you’re familiar with. We’re keen on attention to detail and strong communication, so make sure to showcase these 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 possible to increase your chances of landing an interview.
How to prepare for a job interview at AECOM
✨Know Your Aquatic Ecology
Brush up on your knowledge of aquatic ecology and the specific surveys mentioned in the job description, like fish and macroinvertebrate analysis. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
AECOM values collaboration, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Highlight any experiences where you contributed to group projects or supported colleagues, as this will resonate well with their team-oriented culture.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to aquatic surveys and laboratory analysis. Review relevant methodologies and be ready to explain your thought process. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and readiness for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. AECOM looks for candidates who can engage with clients and colleagues effectively, so consider doing mock interviews to refine your communication skills.
