Location
Nottingham, Leeds, Basingstoke, or Edinburgh

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
Join AECOM’s Ecology team within the Environment business, delivering environmental management services including feasibility, impact analysis, operational compliance, remediation, restoration, and re-use of impacted property. As a Graduate Aquatic Ecologist, you will support consultancy and advisory services through a variety of fieldwork and site work opportunities, working to high technical standards and within programme and budget constraints. Your role will include supporting aquatic survey data collection and analysis (fish, macroinvertebrates, crayfish, macrophytes, riparian mammals, River Habitat Survey), conducting laboratory analysis of macroinvertebrate samples in Leeds or Nottingham, and assisting with terrestrial ecology surveys. You will collaborate with a network of ecologists and water scientists across the UK and Ireland, communicate effectively with project teams and clients, comply with health and safety and quality procedures, and contribute to client relationship management and multi-disciplinary projects. Additional administrative duties supporting team development will also be part of your role.

Perks and Development
At AECOM, you will benefit from a supportive work environment with a flexible hybrid working model, career development opportunities, technical practice networks, and access to AECOM University and volunteering days. Graduates are paired with senior mentors and participate in the 2-year ADVANCE Graduate Development Programme, which includes instructor-led training, online learning, and webinars. Support is provided for professional development ambitions, including potential Chartership with relevant institutions such as CIEEM or IFM.

Experience
Previous commercial and/or regulatory experience is advantageous but not essential. Freshwater ecology experience and laboratory macroinvertebrate analysis are essential. Familiarity with aquatic ecology surveys including fish, macroinvertebrates, crayfish, macrophytes, riparian mammals, and River Habitat Survey is expected.

About you
Strong attention to detail, numeracy, and the ability to structure and prioritise work effectively. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with confidence to engage with clients, colleagues, stakeholders, and sub-contractors. Ability to explain and discuss technical issues clearly and capture feedback. Proactive team player with a willingness to travel occasionally and a full driving license is desirable.

Qualifications
A degree in Aquatic Ecology, Ecology, or a related discipline (Freshwater Biology, Marine Ecology, Zoology) is required. MSc or higher is preferred but BSc will be considered. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential.