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Principal Ecologist
Job Description: Principal Ecologist – Nature Team
Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we’re delivering a better world. From improving urban infrastructure to ensuring clean water access and transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. As the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, we partner with clients to solve complex challenges and build lasting legacies for future generations.
With growing global infrastructure investment, our services are in high demand. Join over 50,000 professionals—planners, designers, engineers, scientists, and digital innovators—delivering projects with positive, tangible impact worldwide. We’re one global team driven by a shared mission to deliver a better world.
Job Description
Company Culture & Opportunity
Are you ready to join a team of talented ecologists and shape environmental sustainability solutions?
AECOM’s Nature team is expanding across key UK locations: Newcastle, Manchester, Cambridge, Liverpool, Basingstoke, Croydon, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Edinburgh (other options may be considered). Benefit from our flexible hybrid working model, while leading cutting-edge ecology projects across power, renewables, infrastructure, transport, and scientific sectors.
Recent work includes:
- UK’s largest solar farm developments (planning-stage ecology)
- Energy transition projects
- Habitats regulatory assessments for local authorities
- Masterplans for new residential developments
Key Responsibilities
As a Principal Ecologist, you’ll:
- Lead and deliver high-quality ecological consultancy and advisory services for internal and external clients.
- Oversee project plans, schedules, and resource allocation to meet budgets and deadlines.
- Develop technically robust solutions for complex ecological challenges.
- Author or review ecology chapters in environmental impact assessments and protected species licence applications.
- Ensure high-quality project deliverables through technical leadership.
- Support the continuous improvement of our technical capabilities.
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Why Join AECOM?
Become part of a dynamic Nature team of 230+ experts, spanning arboriculture, forestry, groundwater, surface water, and ecology. Count on: ✅ Global leadership opportunities with national and international project experts ✅ Inclusive and forward-thinking workplace culture ✅ Technical training and mentorship ✅ Membership in professional networks (e.g., AECOM Practice Networks) ✅ Developmental growth through AECOM University
Qualifications & Experience
Essential Criteria
- Degree (or equivalent) in ecology or a related subject.
- Professional membership of a recognised institution, with Chartered Ecologist/Chartered Environmentalist status (or actively pursuing it).
- Protected species survey and/or mitigation licences.
- Proven experience in leading ecological surveys, licensing, and impact assessments. -Strong track record in project winning, budget management, and stakeholder collaboration.
- Ability to review technical work and support team members.
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Diversity & Inclusion
We celebrate neurodiversity and all abilities. AECOM is committed to:
- Providing reasonable accommodations during application and interviews.
- Supporting Disability Confident Interview Scheme applicants.
Benefits & Perks
AECOM offers a holistic benefits package supporting career growth and well-being, tailored to your lifestyle. Benefits include: ✔ World-class career development opportunities ✔ Flexible hybrid working model for work-life balance ✔ Tech practice networks and AECOM University (training and mentorship) ✔ Volunteering days to support local causes ✔ Competitive compensation and wellness programs
Additional Notes
- Day 1 Onboarding Requirement: Located at an AECOM office as part of the hiring process.
- Need more details? Connect with recruiter Melissa Moody on LinkedIn or explore AECOM Stories via our LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram & YouTube.
- Job Reference: J10147381
About AECOM
Fast-fact: AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with $16.1B (2025) in infrastructure, buildings, water, new energy, and environmental services. Our fusion of technical expertise, digital innovation, equity, and governance ensures transformative solutions with lasting sustainability impact. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer focused on inclusivity, diversity, MPOs intercourse.
Join Us: One Team, Same Legacy 🌱🚀
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