Principal Ecologist - BNG Specialist

Company Overview

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 legacies for future generations.

With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

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 Biodiversity Net Gain Specialist across multiple UK offices, working in a hybrid model. The role involves delivering biodiversity net gain (BNG) assessments for infrastructure and development projects nationwide, and supporting training and mentoring within an inclusive environment.

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Work on delivery of ecological BNG inputs for both internal and external clients;
• Produce and technically review a range of biodiversity assessments including BNG feasibility and design stage reports, NBB assessments and BNG assessments;
• Work closely with our BNG lead for UK&I to continue developing our BNG Vision and strategy across the UK;
• Support upskilling of ecologists across the business;
• Consult and engage with clients and key project stakeholders including planning authorities, statutory bodies and the public;
• Play a key role in developing technical capabilities and embedding innovation/research;
• Collaborate with digital and data teams to advance our biodiversity tools;
• Lead the production of bids and tenders for ecological and BNG services;
• Mentor and support junior staff and peers.

You will enjoy a range of core and personalised benefits designed to support your future and well-being, customised to fit your lifestyle. Opportunities include career development, a flexible hybrid working model, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days.

We’re looking for:

• Degree (or equivalent) in ecology or an associated subject, and a membership of an appropriate professional institution;
• Experience leading BNG assessments on large‑scale infrastructure projects, as demonstrated by professional experience;
• Excellent knowledge of relevant legislation and policy;
• Experience interpreting UKHabs data and Habitat Condition Assessments;
• Experience reviewing technical work, supporting wider team members, and bidding/tendering.

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact the Reasonable Adjustments team. AECOM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to equitable hiring practices. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.