Principal Ecologist

Principal Ecologist – AECOM

Location:

Cambridge, Basingstoke, Croydon, Leeds, Nottingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bristol, Dublin, Cork (other UK locations may also be considered).

Join AECOM’s dynamic Nature team as a Principal Ecologist, leading ecological consultancy and advisory services across a wide range of projects in the power, renewables, infrastructure, environment, and transport sectors. You will work with multidisciplinary teams on projects such as large solar farms, energy transition initiatives, habitat assessments for local authorities, and master planning for new residential developments.

• Lead and support delivery of high‑quality ecological consultancy and advisory services to both internal and external clients.
• Oversee planning, scheduling, and organization of all phases of ecological project work, ensuring necessary resources, budgets, and controls are in place to meet programme and budget requirements.
• Support the development of technically robust and pragmatic solutions to complex ecological issues.
• Lead and support production of ecology chapters for environmental statements and protected species licence applications.
• Author or technically check project deliverables to ensure high‑quality outputs.
• Support the continued development of AECOM’s technical capabilities.

• Degree (or equivalent) in ecology or an associated subject.
• Membership of an appropriate professional institution and working toward or having obtained Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Environmentalist status; holder of protected species survey and/or mitigation licences.
• Experience leading and managing ecological surveys, licensing, impact assessment, with demonstrated ability to win work, manage projects and budgets, and lead stakeholder discussions.
• Experience reviewing technical work and supporting wider team members.

Flexible hybrid working model, career development opportunities, technical practice networks, AECOM University, volunteering days, and a range of core and personalized benefits designed to support your future and well‑being.

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 us at Reaso. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.