Associate Director - Ecology

AECOM; Scotland; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure consulting firm in the UK is seeking an Associate Director to lead ecological consultancy and advisory services. This role offers a flexible hybrid working model and involves managing ecological projects across major infrastructure initiatives. Candidates should have a degree in ecology, professional memberships, and experience in leading surveys and stakeholder engagements. The role fosters diversity and inclusivity, ensuring contributions are recognized in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working model

Career development opportunities

Volunteering days

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in ecology or an associated subject.
• Membership of a professional institution and working towards or obtained Chartered Ecologist status.
• Experience of leading and managing ecological surveys and impact assessment.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of ecological consultancy and advisory services to clients.
• Oversee planning and organisation of ecological projects.
• Support development of practical solutions to ecological issues.

Skills

Leadership in ecological consultancy

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Ecological survey experience

Education

Degree in ecology or related field

Job description

Company Description

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.

Job Description

Are you ready to join a team of talented ecologists and shape the future of the environment?

Join our dynamic Nature team as an Associate Director and benefit from a flexible hybrid working model. At AECOM, we’re at the forefront of innovation, delivering an exceptional portfolio of Ecology programs and projects through long‑term partnerships with key clients.

Projects

• Major infrastructure projects, especially in the renewable energy sectors.
• A range of other projects helping to create a better world, including river restoration/flood management schemes, active travel projects, and urban regeneration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support delivery of high‑quality ecological consultancy and advisory services to internal and external clients across our ‘Celtic & South West’ regional team.
• Oversee planning, scheduling, and organising all phases of ecological project work, ensuring necessary resources, budgets, and controls are in place to meet programme and budget requirements.
• Support development of technically robust and pragmatic solutions to complex ecological issues.
• Lead and support the 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 our technical capabilities.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in ecology or an associated subject.
• Membership of an appropriate professional institution and working towards or obtained Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Environmentalist status, and a holder of protected species survey and/or mitigation licences.
• Experience of leading and managing ecological surveys/licensing/impact assessment, as demonstrated by suitable professional experience.
• Experience in work‑winning, managing projects, project budgets and leading stakeholder discussions.
• Experience of reviewing technical work and supporting wider team members.

Benefits

Become part of our dynamic Nature business, which boasts around 150 professional experts located across the UK&I. At AECOM, you’ll thrive in an inclusive and forward‑thinking environment where your contributions are valued.

You’ll enjoy a range of core and personalised benefits designed to support your future and well‑being, customised to fit your lifestyle. Take advantage of career development opportunities, our flexible hybrid working model, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days.

Inclusivity & EEO

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 [e-mail].

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential and will help you reach yours.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long‑term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role.

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

Contact

For further information about the role, reach out to the recruiter on LinkedIn (Melissa Moody).