Principal Marine Ecologist

AECOM; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global infrastructure firm in Birmingham is seeking a Principal Marine Ecologist to join their dynamic Nature team. This role involves providing technical marine ecological advice, managing projects, and contributing to business development. The ideal candidate will have comprehensive expertise in marine ecology, strong business acumen, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. The position offers a flexible hybrid working model and numerous professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Flexible hybrid working model

Volunteering days

Qualifications

• Experience in the preparation and review of technical assessments including EIA, HRA.
• Understanding of marine consenting and licensing across the UK.
• Ability to provide advanced scientific advice for marine projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical marine ecological advice on various projects.
• Ensure quality and compliance with management procedures.
• Manage resources, budgets, and project progress.

Skills

Marine ecological expertise

Business development

Team coordination

Technical writing

Client liaison

Job description

Role Overview

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, as well as taking advantage of our flexible hybrid working model. You will have the opportunity to apply your skills, knowledge and expertise on both national and international projects. We work across a diverse range of sectors, including high-profile power and infrastructure schemes (including floating offshore wind), national and international interconnectors, habitat restoration studies, flood defence schemes, and coastal developments (marinas, jetties, slipways, wharf and port developments etc.). In this role you will work with our team of marine and aquatic ecologists, and our 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:

Responsibilities

• Subject Matter Expert: provide technical marine ecological and marine consenting advice, internally and externally. Direct inputs to a wide range of workstreams and deliverables across a broad range of projects including involvement in the full EIA or DCO development cycle of major projects. Deliver marine ecology impact assessments including ES chapters and associated assessments (HRA, MCZ and WFD) and information to support the full range of licence and permitting applications needed for marine based projects.
• Ensure Quality: have a critical eye for detail to ensure that our deliverables are produced to the highest quality standards and compliance with our rigorous quality management procedures. Excellent writing and communication skill, able to tailor complex scientific information for different audiences.
• Collaborate: work as part of a multidisciplinary team to improve the environmental outcomes of our projects – specialists in underwater acoustics, coastal processes, water scientists and marine archaeologists, as well as EIA colleagues.
• Growth and Business Development: contribute to our work winning for the marine ecology team, developing technical and fee proposals, general marketing and business development, presenting to internal and external audiences and client liaison.
• Project Management: manage resources and budgets, report progress internally and to clients, including project management training to become an AECOM accredited PM, and procure and manage specialist subcontractors when needed.
• Mentoring: help develop and train the marine ecology team members, creating a supportive environment for individuals to thrive.

Benefits

Come grow with us! And let's not forget about the perks at AECOM. You'll enjoy a range of core and personalised benefits designed to support your future and well-being, customised 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.

Requirements

• Comprehensive marine ecological expertise with demonstrable experience in the preparation and review of specialist technical chapters and all associated impact assessments, including but not limited to EIA, HRA, MCZ and WFD.
• A detailed understanding of the marine consenting and licencing regimes across the UK with experience liaising with, and submitting licence applications to the key regulatory bodies including the MMO, NRW, Scottish MD and The Crown Estate.
• Ability to provide technical advice and application of advanced scientific practices, theories and technologies for a diverse range of marine projects.
• Team coordination experience, including line management and mentorship of junior team members.
• Business development experience, including preparing tenders, client presentations.

About AECOM

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person's potential, and we'll help you reach yours.