AECOM
Principal Ecologist - BNG Specialist
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Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, we’re delivering a better world. We improve your commutes, keep the lights on, provide access to clean water, and transform skylines—helping people and communities thrive. With a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, and digital innovators, we solve complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There’s never been a better time to join AECOM, as demand for our services accelerates worldwide. Bring your bold ideas and dreams to a company committed to creating tangible, positive impact.
Job Title: Principal Biodiversity Net Gain Specialist (Hybrid Roles – UK)
Location(s): Manchester, Basingstoke, Croydon, Bristol, Cambridge, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham, Birmingham (or other UK sites)
Notes:
- Flexible hybrid working model available.
About the Role
Position: Principal Biodiversity Net Gain Specialist Business Line: Environment Strategic Business Unit: Europe & India Work Location Model: Hybrid
Job Summary
Are you passionate about environmental innovation and shaping the future of nature conservation? Join AECOM’s dynamic Nature team as a Principal Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Specialist and play a pivotal role in transforming infrastructure projects to achieve net positive environmental impact.
Our team, responsible for an expanding portfolio of ecology programs and projects, is building ecological resilience through strategic partnerships. You’ll enhance projects from National Grid’s new electrical transmission lines and TransPennine Route Upgrade (TRU) to hydrogen production facilities, solar farms, and water/highways initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
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Client Delivery:
- Lead, review, and deliver biodiversity and BNG assessments, including feasibility studies, NBB frameworks, and statutory reports.
- Develop BNG inputs for both internal and client-facing projects, ensuring technical excellence.
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Team Leadership & Growth:
- Mentor and coach junior ecologists, fostering their development as BNG professionals.
- Support and lead upskilling initiatives across AECOM’s ecology teams.
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Strategy & Innovation Development:
- Collaborate with AECOM’s BNG Leadership for UK&I to advance the company’s BNG vision and strategic imperatives.
- Lead technical capabilities development, embedding innovation and research.
- Drive emerging standards in ecological assessment across the UK.
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Digital Strategy & Tools:
- Partner with AECOM’s digital data teams to refine biodiversity tools and reporting processes.
- Develop end-to-end bidding strategies for ecological and BNG project wins.
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Stakeholder & Client Collaboration:
- Engage with clients, statutory bodies, and project stakeholders to ensure aligned project outcomes.
- Represent AECOM’s ecological expertise to promotional fora, policy development.
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Sales & Outreach:
- Direct generation of tenders for ecology/BNG services.
Requirements
Leadership Qualities
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
- Membership in an appropriate professional institution.
Technical Expertise
- Deep experience in leading BNG assessments across large-scale infrastructure projects (our client portfolio includes national energy, rail, and water projects).
- Comprehensive understanding of UK BNG policy, legislation, and guidance (till Microbial Screening Guidance).
- Ability to interpret UKHabs data and Habitat Condition Assessments.
Problem-Solving & Teamwork
- Record of reviewing and synthesizing technical assessments, supporting senior colleagues in team settings.
- Experience managing bids, tenders, and proposing innovative ecological solutions.
Culture & Inclusion
- Dedicated to diversity, neurodiversity, and wellbeing—AECOM supports inclusive growth for all applicants.
Note: We welcome applications from candidates who meet some requirements or have transferable skills—show us how you align with AECOM’s vision!
Why AECOM?
Impact & Purpose-Driven Work
- Join a global team of 150+ nature professionals, championing direct habitat restoration, creation, and management—affecting policy nationally.
- Manage high-profile projects that create transformative change across the UK economy.
Growth Opportunities
- Elevate in a supported ecosystem with technical practice networks, mentorship, and AECOM University (professional development platform).
- Opportunity to mentor colleagues and build nurturing relationships across AECOM’s ecology teams.
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WorkFlex
- Leverage a hybrid model—balance flexibility with immersive client site opportunities.
Core & Tailored Benefits
- Tailored compensation and benefits for every personal and professional aspiration.
- Additional perks: Financial wellness programs, wellbeing initiatives, continuation of employee suggestions program, and generous community engagement.
Inclusivity & Equal Opportunity
AECOM is a Disability Confident Employer—applicants with disabilities are invited to share their requirements enabling confidence in your success. Email ReasonableAccommodationsUKI@aecom.com.
All candidate data is processed strictly under EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) guidelines.
Next Steps
- Obtain further information: LinkedIn recruiter @Melissa Moody.
- Follow AECOM on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for insights on professional growth and impactful collaboration.
ReqID: J10151015
"Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity" — Build your career with AECOM, a global partner dedicated to sustainable anchorage for generations.
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About AECOM
As a Fortune 500, world-leading infrastructure consultancy, we help our clients harness expert insights and bring complex projects to life with scalable, agile, and community-aligned solutions.
Today, we’re not only redefining construction but also upgrading the world’s energy transition pathways, wise water usage, resilient urban foundations, and renewable ecosystems.
Visit aecom.com. Find cutting-edge thinking and bold visions shaping humanity’s future in residential, business, travel, energy, and ecological landscapes.
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