Principal Ecologist

TN United Kingdom; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join their dynamic Nature team. In this pivotal role, you will lead and support high-quality ecological consultancy services, overseeing a variety of exciting projects across major infrastructure and environmental initiatives. Collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team, you will ensure the successful delivery of ecological aspects while maximizing beneficial outcomes for nature and clients. This innovative firm offers a flexible hybrid working model, career development opportunities, and a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. If you are passionate about ecology and eager to make a difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Flexible working model

Career development opportunities

Volunteering days

Technical practice networks

AECOM University

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology or related field required.
• Experience leading ecological surveys and managing projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-quality ecological consultancy services for clients.
• Manage project phases, resources, and budgets effectively.
• Develop solutions for complex ecological issues.

Skills

Ecological Consultancy

Project Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Ecological Surveys

Impact Assessment

Education

Degree in Ecology or related field

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 a Principal Ecologist, and benefit through 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.

In this role, you will be the technical lead on a variety of exciting projects. You will support members of the wider team to help in the delivery of the ecological aspects of these projects. You will collaborate with the wider multi-disciplinary AECOM team to maximize the beneficial outcomes for nature and our clients.

Presently, we are working on a wide range of projects, including:

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

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Lead and support delivery of high-quality ecological consultancy and advisory services to both internal and external clients across our ‘Celtic & South West’ regional team (comprising Scotland, Ireland, Wales and south-west England).
• Oversee planning, scheduling and organizing all phases of ecological project work, ensuring necessary resources, budgets and controls are in place to meet both programme and budget requirements.
• Support 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 our technical capabilities.

Come grow with us.

Become part of our dynamic Nature business, which boasts around 150 professional experts including national and global leaders located across the UK&I, from species licence holders to experts in impact assessment, habitat creation, ecosystem restoration, enhancement, and management. At AECOM, you’ll thrive in an inclusive and forward-thinking environment where your contributions are valued.

And let's not forget about the perks at AECOM. You'll enjoy a range of core and personalized benefits designed to support your future and well-being, customized to fit your lifestyle. Take advantage of career development opportunities, our flexible hybrid working model to ensure a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days.

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• 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.

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!

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. 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.