Graduate Ecologist onwards

Overview

AECOM are seeking a Graduate Ecologist in our Belfast office. This is a fantastic opportunity to further your career by gaining valuable work experience within an established and successful consultancy.

Our Nature team is part of AECOM’s Environment, Water and Energy business (one of the leading environmental consultancies in the UK and Ireland) which delivers environmental management services for feasibility, designing innovative nature-based solutions, delivery and management of environmental impact assessment for planning and environmental due diligence to mitigate environmental risks. We work across terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments in a wide range of sectors: energy, water, government, manufacturing and transportation.

Most of our work is based in the UK and Ireland, with possible opportunities overseas including Europe, Middle East and Africa. Our ecologists work alongside architects, engineers, planners, economists and other environmental specialists on important projects. Together we provide the full range of ecological services including habitat and species surveys, impact assessment, advice on biodiversity mitigation, offsetting and enhancement, and management planning for biodiversity.

• Work within a multi-disciplinary team on desk-based assessments and field surveys including preliminary ecological appraisal, UKHab Survey, biodiversity net gain data collection and assessments, and a range of protected species surveys.
• Occasional fieldwork away from home and occasional night work when surveying.
• Support the team with good organization, research and planning to maintain high safety and technical standards.
• Work with a range of taxonomic groups and pursue your own interests as encouraged.

• 2:1 degree and above (or equivalent) in Ecology or a subject with ecological component (e.g., Ecology, Environmental Biology, Zoology, Environmental Diagnosis and Management, Wildlife Conservation/Biodiversity, Conservation Biology and Resource Management, Species Identification and Surveying, Environmental Science/Consultancy, Environmental Management and Sustainability, Biological Science, Geography).
• Keen interest and understanding of UK/Irish wildlife.
• UK/Irish plant and animal identification skills (indirect and direct field signs).
• Good practical field skills and previous exposure to protected species surveys.
• Ability to record data efficiently and methodically.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Word and Excel) and strong numeracy.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with the confidence to engage with a variety of people and the aptitude to discuss technical issues and capture feedback.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail; ability to structure and prioritise work in collaboration with the team.
• Self-motivation, enthusiasm, hardworking, with ambition and drive.
• Strong report writing skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Commitment to continued education and improvement through approved training schemes.
• Willingness and ability to visit other locations on company business; driving licence would be beneficial due to travel for site surveys.
• Previous experience in the ecology sector (e.g., NGO volunteering or professional consultancy) would be beneficial.

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject.
• Experience of Phase 1 habitat or UKHab Surveys, Fossitt habitat, IVC and botanical surveys.
• Working towards protected species licences (e.g., bats, smooth newt).
• Membership of or working towards full membership of an appropriate professional institution.
• Evidence of published work in the ecology field.

At AECOM, you’ll enjoy a range of core and personalised benefits designed to support your future and well-being. You can expect career development opportunities, a flexible hybrid working model, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days. The Graduate Development Programme supports your progression with a structured two-year ADVANCE programme including instructor-led training, online curriculum, and potential…