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- Tasks: Lead a team of ecologists to protect and restore aquatic environments.
- Company: AECOM is a global leader in infrastructure consulting, dedicated to delivering a better world.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options, competitive compensation, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real impact on aquatic ecosystems through innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Aquatic Ecology or related field; experience with ecological monitoring and assessments required.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; follow us on social media for insights into our culture.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Company Description
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.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We\’re one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
Start here. Grow here.
Are you ready to lead a team of passionate ecologists working to protect, enhance and restore our aquatic environment?
Our multidisciplinary Water Environment team are looking for a Principal Aquatic Ecologist to provide technical expertise for new and existing projects, aiding the continued growth and development of our successful team.
At AECOM, we\’re at the forefront of innovation, delivering an exceptional portfolio of water programmes and projects through long-term partnerships with key clients. These include the Environment Agency and Natural England, Water Companies, renewable energy projects, nationally significant infrastructure projects, and many others. We deliver a diverse range of projects, such as: baseline data collection and monitoring for major infrastructure and utility projects, fish passage and weir removal projects, fish rescue and translocation, habitat restoration for regulators and the private sector, pollution response surveys and water quality investigations.
Our Aquatic Ecology team operates in our Nottingham and Leeds laboratories, analysing macroinvertebrate and other samples, undertaking the full range of aquatic field surveys, and providing robust technical deliverables and services to our clients. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to support a talented, passionate team committed to leaving a positive impact on our aquatic environment.
Here\’s what you\’ll do:
- Lead: Manage and coordinate the technical delivery of aquatic ecology input on projects for internal and external clients.
- Deliver: Undertake data analysis and processing; producing EcIA documents in line with CIEEM guidelines. Provide aquatic ecology input into EcIA, planning, mitigation, and multi-disciplinary projects. Author technical reports and work with our wider teams to provide specialist input.
- Collaborate: Work closely with other members of the Aquatic Ecology, Water Environment and Ecology teams to support a coherent nationwide approach providing expert advice to our clients.
Become part of our dynamic Water business, which boasts around 660 experts across the UK & Ireland, with 20+ aquatic ecology specialists in your team. Collaborate with top-tier consultants to deliver a variety of captivating projects, from small initiatives to large-scale ventures, all the way from concept to completion.
Qualifications
Ready to push the limits of what\’s possible?
Here\’s what we\’re looking for:
- A degree (or equivalent) in Aquatic Ecology or another related discipline such as Freshwater, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology.
- Understanding and experience implementing industry standard monitoring techniques and analyses for aquatic ecology (macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, river habitats etc.) and associated consenting/permitting requirements.
- Familiar with legislation relating to the aquatic environment and its implementation, including the Water Framework Directive (WFD).
- Experience of the EcIA/EIA process, from baseline data collection (desk-based and field surveys) to impact assessment and mitigation design.
- Member of CIEEM, CIWEM, IFM, or similar professional body or eligible to qualify.
- Able to travel to site.
Come grow with us.
If you\’re passionate about innovation and turning bold ideas into reality, we want to hear from you!
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
We recognise that everyone\’s circumstances are different, and we\’re happy to discuss part-time or flexible working arrangements that suit you. Here you will thrive in an inclusive and forward-thinking environment where your contributions are valued.
Additional Information
Interested in the role or curious about life at AECOM? Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to explore our AECOM voices, employee stories, latest projects, and much more!
For further information about the role, reach out to the recruiter on LinkedIn – Katie Scales.
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 unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $14.4 billion in fiscal year 2023.
Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity
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.
You will help us foster a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.
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.
Join us, and you\’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm – access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person\’s potential, and we\’ll help you reach yours.
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Principal Aquatic Ecologist employer: AECOM
Contact Detail:
AECOM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Aquatic Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with AECOM's recent projects and initiatives in aquatic ecology. Understanding their approach and the specific challenges they tackle will help you align your expertise with their needs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees or alumni who work at AECOM, especially within the Water Environment team. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest legislation and industry standards related to aquatic ecology, such as the Water Framework Directive. Being knowledgeable about these topics will demonstrate your commitment and expertise in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with EcIA/EIA processes in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've contributed to similar projects, as this will showcase your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Aquatic Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Aquatic Ecologist position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in aquatic ecology, particularly any work related to data analysis, ecological impact assessments, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Passion: AECOM values innovation and a commitment to environmental sustainability. Make sure to convey your passion for aquatic ecology and how your personal values align with AECOM's mission to deliver a better world.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your cover letter to reflect why you are specifically interested in working at AECOM. Mention any relevant projects or initiatives they are involved in that resonate with you, and explain how you can contribute to their goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at AECOM
✨Show Your Passion for Aquatic Ecology
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for aquatic ecology and environmental protection during the interview. Share specific examples of projects or experiences that highlight your commitment to enhancing and restoring aquatic environments.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of industry-standard monitoring techniques and analyses related to aquatic ecology. Familiarize yourself with relevant legislation, such as the Water Framework Directive, and be ready to explain how you've applied this knowledge in past projects.
✨Highlight Collaborative Experience
Since the role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams, emphasize your experience in collaboration. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked with other specialists to deliver complex projects, showcasing your ability to contribute to a cohesive team environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process in real-world situations. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you approached them, particularly in relation to ecological assessments and mitigation design.
