Location
Central London, with opportunities across UK offices including Manchester, Leeds, Basingstoke, Newcastle, Croydon, Birmingham, Cambridge, Nottingham and Liverpool. Other UK locations may be considered.

Hours
Full Time, flexible hybrid working model to support work-life balance.

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
Join AECOM’s dynamic Nature team as an Associate Director - Ecology and play a key role in shaping the future of the environment. You will lead the planning and delivery of ecological inputs on a variety of projects spanning large infrastructure sectors such as energy, water, renewables, defence, and transport, as well as smaller local projects. You will produce and technically review ecological assessments including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Protected Species Baseline Reports, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, and Biodiversity Net Gain Calculations. This role involves providing technical leadership to deliver pragmatic solutions, leading consultation with clients and stakeholders including planning authorities and statutory bodies, and supporting the continued development of technical capabilities with a focus on innovation and research. You will also lead bids and tenders for ecological services and mentor junior staff and peers within a supportive environment offering internal and external training opportunities and a nurturing mentoring framework. Become part of a team of around 230 professional experts across the UK and Ireland, including national and global leaders in species licensing, impact assessment, habitat creation, ecosystem restoration, enhancement, and management. At AECOM, you will thrive in an inclusive, forward-thinking environment with a flexible hybrid working model and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your future and well-being.

Experience
Demonstrable experience in planning and delivering ecological services on projects in the UK or Ireland. Excellent field skills in at least one specialist area including protected species licences. Proven ability to lead ecological inputs and assessments across diverse projects.

About you
Proactive and passionate about innovation and environmental impact. Strong leadership and mentoring skills with the ability to support and develop ecology team members. Committed to health and safety best practices. Enthusiastic about working in a diverse and inclusive environment that values unique contributions and perspectives.

Qualifications
Membership of an appropriate professional institution such as CIEEM or related, with evidence of working towards Chartership. Well-developed understanding of relevant wildlife conservation legislation and best practices.