Principal Marine Ecologist

AECOM; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Marine Ecologist to apply expertise on national and international projects. The role involves providing technical marine ecological advice, ensuring quality deliverables, and managing projects effectively. You will collaborate with diverse teams and contribute to business development activities. Ideal candidates will have strong marine ecological skills and experience with EIA and related assessments. This position offers flexible hybrid working, career development, and an inclusive environment.

Benefits

Flexible working model

Career development opportunities

Technical practice networks

Volunteering days

Qualifications

• Experience in preparation and review of impact assessments like EIA and HRA.
• Understanding of UK marine consenting and licensing regimes.
• Ability to provide technical advice for diverse marine projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical marine ecological advice and deliver impact assessments.
• Ensure deliverables meet high-quality standards.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for improved project outcomes.
• Contribute to business development activities and presentations.
• Manage project resources and budgets effectively.
• Mentor junior team members to foster growth.

Skills

Marine ecological expertise

Marine consenting advice

Communication skills

Team coordination

Business development

Education

Relevant degree in ecology or environmental science

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• Be a 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: apply 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. Demonstrate excellent writing and communication skills, 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 – including 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, including developing technical and fee proposals, marketing and business development. Present to internal and external audiences and contribute to client liaison.
• Project Management: manage resources and budgets, report on progress internally and to clients, and procure and manage specialist subcontractors when needed. Participate in Project Management training to become an AECOM accredited PM.
• Mentoring: develop and train marine ecology team members, creating a supportive environment for individuals to thrive.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Detailed understanding of the marine consenting and licensing regimes across the UK with experience liaising with and submitting licence applications to key regulatory bodies such as the MMO, NRW, Scottish MD and The Crown Estate.
• Ability to provide technical advice and apply 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 and client presentations.

Benefits include a flexible hybrid working model, career development opportunities, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days.

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