Location
Croydon, with hybrid working options across UK and Ireland offices including Manchester, Leeds, Basingstoke, Newcastle, Glasgow, Belfast, Cambridge, Nottingham, Bristol, Liverpool and other UK locations.

Hours
Full Time - Flexible hybrid working model

Salary
Competitive salary package (not specified)

About the Role
Join AECOM’s dynamic Nature team as an Associate Director - Ecology and help shape the future of the environment. You will lead the planning and delivery of ecological inputs for a diverse portfolio of projects across sectors such as energy, water, renewables, defence, and transport. Your work will include producing and technically reviewing ecological assessments like Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Protected Species Baseline Reports, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, and Biodiversity Net Gain Calculations. You will provide technical leadership to deliver pragmatic and proportionate solutions, lead consultation and engagement with clients and stakeholders including planning authorities and statutory bodies, and play a key role in developing technical capabilities and embedding innovation and research within the team. Additionally, you will lead bids and tenders for ecological services and mentor junior staff and peers. This role offers a supportive environment with internal and external training opportunities, mentoring, and coaching within a forward-thinking and inclusive culture. Become part of a global team delivering projects that create positive, tangible impacts for communities and the environment.

Experience
- Demonstrable experience in planning and delivery of ecological services on projects in the UK or Ireland
- Excellent field skills in at least one specialist area including protected species licences
- Experience mentoring and supporting ecology team members
- Well-developed understanding of relevant wildlife conservation legislation and practices

About you
- Proactive approach to Health and Safety
- Passionate about innovation and delivering pragmatic ecological solutions
- Strong leadership and communication skills to engage with clients, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams
- Enthusiastic about working within a diverse and inclusive environment and supporting team development

Qualifications
- Membership of an appropriate professional institution (e.g., CIEEM) with evidence of working towards Chartership or equivalent professional recognition