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Principal Ecologist – BNG Specialist

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Overview
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. 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 BNG team are working on a range of projects across the UK including a new electrical transmission line for National Grid (facilitating the connection of proposed new offshore wind), rail projects including the TransPennine Route Upgrade (TRU), 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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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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.


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Qualifications
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; as demonstrated by suitable professional experience;
- 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 ReasonableAdjustments@aecom.com. At AECOM, we value everyone’s unique contributions and perspectives.
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