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Principal Ecologist
Principal Ecologist – Ecology and Environment
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 lasting legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With global infrastructure investment accelerating, our services are in high demand. Join us to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, and digital innovators delivering world-changing projects.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose: to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
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 Ecologist across our UK locations: Newcastle, Manchester, Cambridge, Liverpool, Basingstoke, Croydon, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Edinburgh (other locations may be considered). At AECOM, we’re at the forefront of ecological innovation, delivering high-impact ecology programs and projects through long-term client partnerships.
Our current projects span:
- Power and renewables
- Infrastructure and transport
- Environmental assessments
- Protected species licence applications
- Habitat management and restoration
Our most recent initiatives include:
- Consultancy on the UK’s largest solar farms
- Energy transition projects
- Habitat regulations assessments for local authorities
- Masterplanning of new residential developments
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Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support high-quality ecological consultancy and advisory services for both internal and external clients
- Oversee planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to meet program and budget requirements
- Develop technically robust, pragmatic solutions to complex ecological challenges
- Author or technically review ecology chapters for environmental statements and licences
- Ensure high-quality deliverables through project outputs and peer checks
- Support the development of technical capabilities across the team
Come grow with us by becoming part of our leading Environmental and Ecological team, comprising 230+ experts in arboriculture, forestry, water management, and ecosystem restoration.
Requirements
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Degree (or equivalent) in ecology, environmental science, or a related discipline
- Membership of a professional ecologist or environmental body, with either Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Environmentalist status (or progressing towards it)
- Licenced for protected species surveys and mitigation work
- Proven experience in leading ecological surveys, licensing, and impact assessments, with a strong portfolio of successful projects
- Track record in work-winning, project and budget management, and stakeholder engagement
- Ability to review and improve technical work for broader team support
Hard work and determination matter more than rigid experience—if you have transferable skills or meet some requirements, we encourage you to apply!
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Why Join AECOM?
- Inclusive, proactive workplace culture—join a team of global leaders in ecology
- Hybrid working flexibility to balance career and lifestyle
- Career development, technical networks, and professional training at AECOM University
- Generous personalised benefits, from volunteering days to long-term growth as part of a public sector Fortune 500 firm
About AECOM
AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, specialising in design, policy, and execution across energy, sustainability, transport, and urban development. As a Fortune 500 global leader, wemerge technical expertise with a commitment to equity, diversity, and environmental leadership.
“Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity”
Key Employee Benefits:
- Competitive salaries and career progression
- Competitive compensation, alongside performance-based rewards, bonuses, and profit-sharing schemes
- Flexible, global location hybrid model allowing work from offices, remote locations, or client sites
- Collaborative environment fostering curiosity, innovation, and professional growth
- Robust health, retirement, and financial planning benefits
AECOM is an Equal Opportunity Employer, celebrating neurodiversity, disability inclusivity, and diverse backgrounds. If you require reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact:
- ReasonableAccommodations@aecom.com (general requests)
- ReasonableAccommodationsUKI@aecom.com (UK & Ireland specific)
All information submitted is confidential.
⮪ ReqID: J10147381 ⮪ Business Line: Environment ⮪ Work Location Model: Hybrid
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