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Principal Ecologist
Principal Ecologist | Environmental Consultancy | AECOM
Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving commutes, keeping the lights on, providing clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We're the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve complex challenges and build durable environmental and sustainability legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With expanding infrastructure investments globally, our services are in high demand. We invite advocates for bold ideas to join our global team of over 50,000 professionals, including planners, designers, engineers, scientists, and digital innovators. Together, we deliver projects with tangible, positive impacts worldwide.
We are one global team, united by our mission to deliver a better world.
About the Role
Location: Newcastle, Manchester, Cambridge, Liverpool, Basingstoke, Croydon, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Edinburgh (or other locations, subject to results)
Model: Flexible hybrid working
Job Title: Principal Ecologist
Are you ready to lead an expert team and shape the future of environmental conservation? Join our dynamic Nature business at AECOM as a Principal Ecologist and drive high-impact projects across power, renewables, infrastructure, and land-use planning. Play a pivotal role in sustainability and urban development strategies with long-term client partnerships.
Our team thrives at the intersection of innovation and leadership, collaborating on critical projects such as:
- Largest UK solar farm developments
- Energy transition programs
- Biodiversity assessment for local authorities
- Residential and commercial masterplanning
- Regulated protected species consultations
This senior role demands strategic decision-making, project leadership, and technical advocacy to drive sustainable outcomes across assessor teams, landscape, GIS, engineering, and sustainability disciplines.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Advisory Support:
- Direct and oversee high-quality ecological consultancy, providing thought leadership to internal/external clients.
- Manage planning, scheduling, and delivery of ecological projects, ensuring compliance with budgets, timelines, and quality controls.
- Drive solutions to complex ecological challenges, balancing technical robustness with practical implementation.
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Project Execution & Deliverables:
- Author and technically review ecological chapters in environmental statements, planning applications, and protected-species documentation.
- Ensure high-quality outputs, including licence applications, permitting procedures, and mitigation strategies.
- Foster team development through technical pre-project reviews, mentorship, and mentor training opportunities.
Stakeholder Engagement & Work Development:
- Champion disciplinary knowledge, contributing to business development, project bids, and client engagement.
- Participate in external networking to strengthen relationships with clients, regulators, and partners.
Success Criteria
- Project Ownership: Deliver projects on-time, within budget—ensuring reporting accuracy and meeting Agenda items.
- Team Collaboration: Mentor and coach junior staff, driving good practice and consistent quality across all projects.
- Client Relationships: Build robust partnerships, advising key clients and elevation relevant projects within AECOM’s bid process.
- Mentorship & Growth: Innovate/represent the ecological profession, influencing policy and industry trends.
- Work Winning: Actively pursue high-value client opportunities and negotiate workload across teams.
- Technical Development: Advocate for early incorporation of ecology into client projects, ensuring positive impacts.
Requirements
Essential:
- Education: Degree (or equivalent) in ecology,environmental sciences, or a related discipline.
- Professional Accreditation: Membership in a recognised professional institution, with aspirations or attainment of Chartered Ecologist/Chartered Environmentalist status.
- Licensing: Valid Protected Species (Bat, Badger, Wildlife) licences.
- Experience:
- Demonstrated leadership in ecological surveying, licensing, and impact assessment projects.
- Experience managing interdisciplinary scientific projects, ensuring quality throughout delivery.
- Experience reviews of technical work (e.g., habitat reports, Species Reports).
- Embedded experience in winning new business, project management, budget oversight, and stakeholder dialogue.
Desirable:
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- Experience: Managing projects for high-profile transport, renewable energy, or residential development schemes.
- Technical Expertise: Familiarity with GIS and data management platforms (e.g., ArcGIS, Ast UT).
- Holistic Approach: Proven ability to uphold environmentally sustainable/developmental balance.
What to Expect at AECOM
Perks & Well-being:
Embrace a vibrant, solution-driven culture where nuanced perspectives thrive. Enjoy benefits that enhance professional and personal growth, including:
- Flexible Hybrid Working Model to achieve a satisfying work-life balance.
- Career Development: Access AECOM University for training, technical practice networks, mentorship, and peer learning.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Use your skills for charitable impact via paid volunteer days.
- Dynamic Toolkits: Industry-leading technology, thought leadership, and transformational work with tangible impact.
Diversity Statement
At AECOM, we champion diversity and inclusion as drivers of innovation. We actively recruit from all backgrounds, including those with neurodiversity. If you identify as having a disability or require accommodation to apply, please reach out via: ReasonableAccommodationsUKI@aecom.com
Select candidates will be considered for our Disability Confident Interview Scheme.
Join Our Masterplan
By embracing the change you want the world to see, your contributions create a legacy of impact. Every solution starts with you.
Contact Recruiter: Melissa Moody on LinkedIn.
EEO Statement: AECOM adheres to strict EEO guidelines. All information will be processed confidentially.
Additional Note: In-person Day 1 onboarding is required at an AECOM office.
About AECOM
AECOM empowers individuals to deliver projects with lasting value for society from early inspiration to execution and beyond. As a Fortune 500 firm, we succeeded the combined revenues of $16.1 billion in FY2025, fostering a corporation where trust, human-centred focus, and values guide our cross-sectoral innovations.
visit aecom.com or follow @AECOM on social media.
Explore sustainable development solutions at AECOM: fostering innovation, equity, and forward-thinking legacy.
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