Associate Director - Ecology

TN United Kingdom; Croydon; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading firm as an Associate Ecologist in a dynamic Nature team. You will lead ecological assessments, manage projects, and mentor junior staff while contributing to impactful environmental projects across various sectors. Enjoy flexible hybrid working and a supportive environment for career growth.

Benefits

Flexible Hybrid Working

Career Development

Volunteering Days

Qualifications

• Experience leading ecological surveys and impact assessments.
• Membership of a relevant professional body and progress towards Chartered status.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and delivery of ecological inputs for clients.
• Produce and review ecological assessments and impact reports.
• Mentor and support junior staff.

Skills

Ecology

Wildlife Legislation

Project Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Degree in Ecology or Related Field

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

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 Ecologist in our growing locations including Cambridge, Basingstoke, Croydon, Leeds, Nottingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Dublin, and Cork (other locations may be considered). Benefit from our 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.

We are currently working on a wide range of projects, notably in power and renewables, infrastructure, environment, and transport sectors. We also collaborate with other technical disciplines such as landscape, GIS, engineering, sustainability, and drainage. Recent projects include major solar farms in the UK, a cable tunnel below the River Thames, electricity network upgrades in Kent and Suffolk, habitats regulations assessments for local authorities, and masterplanning for residential developments.

In this role, depending on your interests and skills, you will have opportunities to support various areas such as innovative survey techniques for species and habitats, data capture and reporting, work winning, project management, Habitats Regulations Assessments, and Biodiversity Net Gain. Our supportive environment offers both internal and external training opportunities within a nurturing mentoring and coaching framework.

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Lead the planning and delivery of ecological inputs for internal and external clients;
• Produce and review ecological assessments including Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, Protected Species Baseline Reports, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, and Biodiversity Net Gain calculations;
• Provide technical leadership to support pragmatic and proportionate solutions;
• Lead consultation and engagement with clients and stakeholders, including planning authorities, statutory bodies, and the public;
• Contribute to the development of our technical capabilities and promote innovation and research;
• Lead bid and tender production for ecological services;
• Mentor and support junior staff and peers.

If you're passionate about innovation and turning bold ideas into reality, AECOM welcomes you. Join our team to help uplift communities and enhance lives through impactful projects. Follow our AECOM LinkedIn page to stay updated and see the difference we’re making!

Come grow with us.

Be part of our Nature team, which includes around 130 professionals, from species license holders to impact assessment, habitat creation, ecosystem restoration, and management experts across the UK&I. At AECOM, your contributions will be valued in an inclusive, forward-thinking environment.

Enjoy our range of benefits designed to support your well-being and future, including career development, flexible hybrid working, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days.

Qualifications

What we’re looking for:

• A degree (or equivalent) in ecology or related field;
• Membership of a relevant professional body and progress towards or attainment of Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Environmentalist status; holding protected species survey/mitigation licenses is a plus;
• Strong knowledge of wildlife legislation, policy, and reporting;
• Experience leading ecological surveys, impact assessments, and managing related projects;
• Experience managing budgets, stakeholder engagement, and bid/tender processes;
• Ability to review and verify technical work and support team members.

We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you require reasonable accommodations during the application process, please contact us at [email]. If you have transferable skills, we’d love to hear from you!

Additional Information

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for updates on our projects and stories. For more details, contact recruiter Melissa Moody on LinkedIn.

#EVB

About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure firm delivering services throughout the project lifecycle—from advisory and planning to design, engineering, and management. We work on projects in transportation, buildings, water, energy, and environment sectors, trusted by public and private clients worldwide. Our purpose is to deliver a better world through technical expertise, diversity, and sustainability. In FY2023, our Professional Services revenue was $14.4 billion. Learn more at aecom.com and @AECOM.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity

We offer flexible work options, whether from an office, remote, or client site, fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where everyone can bring their whole selves. Our benefits support your well-being and career growth, with industry-leading technology, impactful projects, and work flexibility. Join us to help create transformational outcomes and reach your potential.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion, and a Disability Confident Employer. Please contact us at [email] if you need accommodations. All information will be kept confidential per EEO guidelines.