BNG Principal Ecologist | Hybrid Infrastructure

AECO; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Career development

AECOM University

Volunteering days

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Principal Biodiversity Net Gain Specialist to join our Nature team across UK locations. You will deliver biodiversity net gain assessments for infrastructure and development projects, working with clients and planning authorities in a hybrid work model.

You’ll lead BNG inputs, review technical work, and mentor junior ecologists while helping shape the UK BNG strategy and tooling. The role offers training opportunities and cross-office collaboration across the UK.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in ecology and membership of a professional institution.
• Experience leading BNG assessments on large infrastructure projects.
• Excellent knowledge of relevant legislation and policy.
• Experience interpreting UKHabs data and Habitat Condition Assessments.
• Experience reviewing technical work, supporting teammates, and bidding/tendering.

Responsibilities

• Deliver biodiversity net gain inputs for internal and external clients.
• Produce and review BNG feasibility and design stage reports and assessments.
• Collaborate with the UK&I BNG lead to develop the BNG Vision for the UK.
• Upskill ecologists across the business and mentor juniors.

Skills

BNG assessments

Stakeholder engagement

Bid support

UK habitats data

Policy interpretation

Education

Ecology degree

Membership in a professional institution

Job description

AECOM is seeking a Principal Biodiversity Net Gain Specialist to join our Nature team across UK locations. You will deliver biodiversity net gain assessments for infrastructure and development projects, working with clients and planning authorities in a hybrid work model.

You’ll lead BNG inputs, review technical work, and mentor junior ecologists while helping shape the UK BNG strategy and tooling. The role offers training opportunities and cross-office collaboration across the UK.