Principal Ecologist - Lead Strategic Ecology Projects

AECOM; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Career development opportunities

Job summary

AECOM in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead and deliver high‑quality ecological consultancy across multiple projects. You will oversee planning, budgeting and resource management, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure compliant, robust ecological solutions.

This role supports our growing Nature team with a flexible hybrid working model across Leeds and other UK locations. The successful candidate will have an ecology degree, professional membership and progress

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology or an associated subject.
• Membership of a professional institution and working towards or obtained Chartered Ecologist status.
• Experience leading ecological surveys/licensing/impact assessments.
• Experience in work-winning, managing projects and budgets.
• Experience reviewing technical work and supporting team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support delivery of ecological consultancy to clients.
• Oversee planning, scheduling and resourcing of ecological projects within budgets.
• Develop technically robust solutions to ecological issues.
• Lead and support ecology chapters for environmental statements and licences.
• Author or check project deliverables for quality.
• Support development of technical capabilities.

Skills

Ecology knowledge

Project leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Technical writing

Education

Ecology degree

Chartered Ecologist status (in progress or obtained)

Job description

AECOM in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead and deliver high‑quality ecological consultancy across multiple projects. You will oversee planning, budgeting and resource management, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure compliant, robust ecological solutions.

This role supports our growing Nature team with a flexible hybrid working model across Leeds and other UK locations. The successful candidate will have an ecology degree, professional membership and progress