Remote Associate Director - Ecology in Basildon

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.

Join our dynamic Nature team as an Associate Ecologist in our growing Cambridge, Basingstoke, St Albans, Croydon, Leeds, Nottingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter, Dublin, and Cork (though other locations may be considered), and benefit through our flexible hybrid working model. At AECOM, we're at the forefront of innovation, delivering an exceptional portfolio of Ecology programs and projects through long-term partnerships with key clients.

Our recent and current ecology projects include:

• Baseline survey and ecological impact assessments in support of some of the largest solar farms to have gained consent in the UK
• Habitat and protected species surveys in support of new and upgraded electricity network infrastructure
• Large scale woodland bat population monitoring using trapping and tracking techniques
• Ecological constraints and opportunities analysis to inform the masterplanning of proposed new communities
• Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs) of various plans and projects for local authorities

In this role, depending on your interests and skillset, you will have opportunities to support on a variety of areas such as: using innovative survey techniques for species and habitats surveys, data capture and reporting; work winning; management of projects, Habitats Regulations Assessments; and Biodiversity Net Gain mentoring and coaching of the team. Our supportive environment offers both internal and external training opportunities within a nurturing mentoring and coaching framework.

Here's what you'll do:

• Lead the planning and delivery of ecological inputs for both internal and external clients
• Produce and technically review a range of ecological assessments including Preliminary Ecological Appraisal; Protected Species Baseline Reports; Ecological Impact Assessments; Habitats Regulations Assessment; and Biodiversity Net Gain Calculations
• Provide technical leadership to support the delivery of proportionate and pragmatic solutions
• Lead 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
• Lead the production of bids and tenders for ecological 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
• Membership of an appropriate professional institution and working towards or obtained Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Environmentalist status, and an holder of protected species survey and/or mitigation licences
• Excellent knowledge of relevant wildlife legislation and policy, and reporting skills
• Experience of leading and managing ecological surveys/licensing/impact assessment (as relevant to your areas of specialisms) as demonstrated by suitable professional experience
• Experience in managing projects, project budgets and leading stakeholder discussions, and bidding/tendering
• Experience of reviewing/verifying technical work and supporting wider team members

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].

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.

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.

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.

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.