AECOM
Senior/Principal/Associate Ornithologist
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Senior Principal/Associate Ornithological Specialist - South West & Wales
Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. From improving your commute and keeping the lights on to providing access to clean water and 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 legacies for future generations.
With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in high demand. Join over 50,000 professionals—planners, designers, engineers, scientists, and more—delivering global impact. Currently: [](#Join-us-as-part-of-a-global-team-driven-by-a-purpose-to-elevate-communities-and-support-a-sustainable-future]
About the Role
Location
South West & Wales, UK (With bases in Bristol, Cardiff, or Exeter)
Why It Matters
Are you ready to shape the future of environmental conservation?
We’re seeking a Senior/Principal or Associate Ornithological Specialist to lead and advise on ornithology projects across a diverse portfolio of work—energy, water, renewables, defence, and transport—while supporting wider regional and national teams.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Delivery
- Oversee the preparation of high-quality and commercially astute bids/tenders for ornithological services in sectors like renewable energy, power, and transport infrastructure.
- Lead all stages of ornithological projects, from survey scoping and statutory liaison to final assessments.
- Verify technical standards to ensure ornithological aspects align with industry best practices.
- Author and review deliverables—Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) chapters and Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA).
- Plan and coordinate Bird Survey projects, ensuring budgets, resources, and timelines are met.
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Technical & Strategic Expertise
- Conduct ornithology surveys, particularly during technical scoping stages.
- Provide consultancy and advisory services to internal/external clients with innovative and pragmatic solutions.
- Engage with key conservation stakeholders (e.g., statutory bodies) to navigate legal and policy challenges.
Leadership & Growth
- Mentor junior staff, foster skill development, and drive regional improvements in ornithology expertise.
- Strengthen cross-functional collaboration with ecology teams, projects, and clients.
Requirements
Core Competencies
- Proven experience in leading ornithology projects in the UK or Ireland, with a mix of project management and fieldwork.
- Deep understanding of UK/Irish wildlife law and policy, with a focus on bird habitat protection (grassland, woodland, moorland, wetland, coastal).
- Membership of a professional institution (e.g., CIEEM), commitment to Chartership, and continuing professional development.
- Strong Fieldwork skills in specialist ornithology areas.
- Proactive Health and Safety approach, aligning with AECOM standards.
Who We Think Of As Us
We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity. If you require reasonable adjustments for the application process, please contact ReasonableAccommodations@aecom.com.
Transferable skills are valued—if you don’t meet all the requirements but believe your experience can add value, we’d love to hear from you!
Additional Information
Experience AECOM
- Follow us on [LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram] to explore employee stories, impactful projects and understand our culture firsthand.
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Next Steps
For questions or further details, connect with Melissa Moody (Recruiter) on LinkedIn.
New Hire Compliance
As part of hiring policy, new employees must complete an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office.
Why Join AECOM?
Mission Impact
You’ll join ~230 Nature specialists—from species experts to impact assessment leaders—working to transform habitats, ecosystems, and global sustainability efforts.
Culture & Growth
At AECOM, you’ll thrive in an inclusive, forward-thinking environment with:
- Flexible Hybrid Working
- Career Development through AECOM University and industry tech networks
- Volunteering Days to support meaningful causes.
Benefits & Well-being
Receive a tailored benefits package, including:
- Industry-leading compensation & bonuses
- Hybrid work flexibility
- Well-being jours and health support
About AECOM
As the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, we deliver a better world through equity, innovation, and sustainability. With $16.1B revenue in 2024, we combine technical expertise, inclusive culture, and ESG priorities to address the most urgent global challenges.
Join AECOM: where your contributions fuel transformational outcomes for clients and communities.
"Freedom To Grow In a World of Opportunity" AECOM believes in: ✅ Equality of opportunity for all (Disability Confident Employer) ✅ Respect for team members, recognizing unique talents and experiences
ReqID: J10153997 Business Line: Environment Location: Hybrid (South West & Wales, UK)
[](#) or visit aecom.com to learn more about our environment team.
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