Principal Marine Ecologist

URS Scott Wilson (Aecom); Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consulting firm is seeking a Principal Marine Ecologist in the UK and Ireland. This role involves providing technical marine ecological advice, ensuring quality deliverables, and contributing to business development efforts. Ideal candidates will possess comprehensive marine ecological expertise and experience with regulatory bodies. The position offers hybrid working options and opportunities for mentorship.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Flexible hybrid working

Technical practice networks

Qualifications

• Comprehensive marine ecological expertise including EIA, HRA, MCZ and WFD.
• Experience with regulatory bodies like MMO and The Crown Estate.
• Ability to provide advanced scientific advice for marine projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical marine ecological advice on various projects.
• Maintain high-quality standards and manage project resources.
• Contribute to business development and present proposals.

Skills

Marine ecological expertise

Understanding of marine consenting and licensing

Business development experience

Team coordination

Job description

Company Description

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.

We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 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

Are you passionate about Marine Ecology? Join our dynamic Nature team as Principal Marine Ecologist in one of our offices across the UK and Ireland, including Basingstoke, Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol, Leeds, Birmingham, Cambridge and Dublin. You will have the opportunity to apply your skills on both national and international projects across high‑profile power and infrastructure schemes (including floating offshore wind), interconnectors, habitat restoration studies, flood defence schemes, and coastal developments.

In this role you will work with our marine and aquatic ecologists and marine EIA specialists, to support the growth and development of the marine ecology team and grow our portfolio of high‑profile marine projects. You will be client‑facing and will take responsibility for technical project delivery and business development, reporting to the Marine Ecology Lead.

What your new role will entail

• Be a Subject Matter Expert: Provide technical marine ecological and marine consenting advice, internally and externally. Direct inputs to workstreams across a broad range of projects, including the full EIA or DCO development cycle. Deliver marine ecology impact assessments including ES chapters and associated assessments (HRA, MCZ and WFD) and support licence and permitting applications for marine projects.
• Ensure Quality: Maintain a critical eye for detail to produce deliverables of the highest quality, compliant with our rigorous quality management procedures. Communicate complex scientific information to different audiences.
• Collaborate: Work as part of a multidisciplinary team with specialists in underwater acoustics, coastal processes, water science, marine archaeology and EIA colleagues.
• Growth and business development: Contribute to winning work for the marine ecology team, developing technical and fee proposals, marketing and business development, and presenting to internal and external audiences.
• Project Management: Manage resources and budgets effectively, report on progress internally and to clients, procure and manage specialist subcontractors, and complete project management training to become an AECOM accredited PM.
• Mentoring: Help develop and train marine ecology team members, fostering a supportive environment.

Benefits

Enjoy a range of core and personalised benefits designed to support your future and well‑being, including career development opportunities, flexible hybrid working, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive marine ecological expertise including specialist technical chapters and impact assessments (EIA, HRA, MCZ and WFD).
• Detailed understanding of marine consenting and licensing regimes across the UK; experience liaising with regulatory bodies such as the MMO, NRW, Scottish MD and The Crown Estate.
• Advanced scientific advice and application of technologies for a diverse range of marine projects.
• Team coordination experience, including line management and mentorship of junior members.
• Business development experience, including tenders and client presentations.

Diversity and Inclusion

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and 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. AECOM is a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role, using the provided contact email.

Additional Information

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

About AECOM

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle. We solve complex challenges for public and private sector clients across transportation, buildings, water, energy and environmental projects.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity

You will have the flexibility you need to work with hybrid options, and help foster a respectful workplace where everyone brings their whole selves. AECOM provides compensation, benefits and well‑being programs to meet the needs of employees and families. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.