Principal/Associate Director - Ornithology

AECOM; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure consultancy is looking for ornithological specialists to manage projects across the UK. The role involves overseeing ornithology deliverables, planning surveys, and mentoring junior staff. Candidates should have a solid track record in ornithological projects, an understanding of conservation laws, and strong field skills. This position offers work flexibility and the opportunity to be part of a diverse team committed to environmental sustainability.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid work options

Access to industry-leading technology

Comprehensive benefits and well-being programs

Qualifications

• Experience in managing ornithological projects in the UK or Ireland.
• Knowledge of legal and policy frameworks for bird protection.
• Commitment to innovation and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Manage bids and tenders for ornithological services.
• Lead on various ornithological aspects and project execution.
• Author and review ornithology project deliverables.
• Plan and oversee bird survey projects.

Skills

Proven track record in ornithology projects

Understanding of UK/Ireland wildlife conservation

Excellent field skills in ornithology

Proactive approach to Health and Safety

Education

Membership of professional institution (CIEEM)

Job description

Company Description

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.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. 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.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

Start here. Grow here.

Are you ready to join a team of talented Ecologist's and shape the future of the environment?

We are looking for a range of ornithological specialists across our ecology team in the UK&I. Our Nature team is working on a mix of large infrastructure projects in the energy, water, renewables, defence and transport sectors, alongside managing smaller local projects. Our team is also supporting the wider AECOM Nature team with National and International projects. We have positions open across the region and across the Grades of Principal and Associate Director.

Here’s what you'll do:

• Manage the preparation of high quality and commercially astute bids and tenders for ornithological services, notably in the renewable energy, power and transport infrastructure and transformational sectors.
• Manage the ornithological aspects of projects from conception through survey scoping, liaison with statutory bodies and final assessment.
• Act as lead verifier on projects to ensure that ornithological aspects of projects are delivered to the highest technical standards.
• Author and review/verify ornithology deliverables including EIA chapters and HRA.
• Plan, schedule and organise all phases of bird survey and analysis project work, ensuring necessary resources, budgets and controls are in place to meet both programme and budget requirements.
• Undertake ornithology surveys as and when required, particularly during survey scoping stage.
• Deliver ornithological consultancy and advisory services to both internal and external clients.
• As part of the team develop technically robust and pragmatic solutions to complex ecological issues across a range of bird habitats, including grassland, woodland, moorland, wetland and coastal habitats.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with other members of the ecology team, within projects and with clients by telephone, electronically and in both Teams and face to face meetings.
• Mentor junior staff and take ownership of strategic initiatives to improve the ornithology skillset and processes within the region.

Qualifications

Ready to push the limits of what's possible?

• Proven track record of supporting the planning and delivery of ornithology projects in the UK or Ireland;
• Well-developed understanding of UK or Irish wildlife conservation, especially in relation to the legal and policy framework protecting birds;
• Membership of an appropriate professional institution and evidence of working towards Chartership (such as CIEEM or related.) Commitment to innovation and continuing professional development;
• Excellent field skills in at least one specialist area of ornithology;
• A proactive approach to Health and Safety;

Additional Information

Interested in the role or curious about life at AECOM? Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to explore our AECOM voices, employee stories, latest projects, and much more!

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

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About AECOM

AECOM is the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve our most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $14.4 billion in fiscal year 2023. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity

You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you're working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.

You'll help us foster a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.

AECOM provides a wide array of compensation, benefits and well-being programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We're the world's trusted global infrastructure firm, and we're in this together - your growth and success are ours too.

Join us, and you'll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm - access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person's potential, and we'll help you reach yours.

We Celebrate Diversity

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]. At AECOM, we value everyone's unique contributions and perspectives.

If you meet some of the requirements above or have transferable skills you believe would benefit us, we would be delighted to hear from you!

We are a Disability Confident Employer

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. Please let us know using this email address [e-mail] if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.

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