Location
Croydon, with hybrid working options available across UK&I offices including Manchester, Leeds, Basingstoke, Newcastle, Glasgow, Cambridge, Nottingham, Bristol and Liverpool (other UK locations may be considered).

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

Salary
Competitive salary and benefits package tailored to individual experience and role.

About the Role
Join AECOM’s dynamic Nature team as an Associate Director and lead ecology services on major infrastructure projects across the UK and Ireland. You will be responsible for planning, managing, reporting, and defending technical ecology outputs to clients, project teams, and stakeholders through relevant planning regimes. Acting as ecology lead on high-profile projects such as Development Consent Orders (DCO), you will collaborate closely with internal teams and external clients to provide technical advice, scope contributions, and problem-solving expertise. You will support project bidding, initiation, delivery, and reviews, while managing project deliverables, scheduling, and budgets. As a senior ecology professional, you will mentor team members, act as lead verifier for technical outputs, and represent AECOM at client meetings, site visits, and stakeholder discussions. This role offers the opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of projects in sectors including energy, water, renewables, defence, and transport, alongside national and international initiatives. At AECOM, you will thrive in an inclusive, forward-thinking environment supported by a large network of ecology experts and technical practice groups. Enjoy career development opportunities, flexible working, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and growth. Join us to help deliver sustainable legacies and create a positive impact on communities and the environment.

Experience
- Demonstrable experience in planning and delivering ecological services on UK or Ireland projects.
- Proven track record acting as ecology lead on major infrastructure projects, ideally including DCO schemes and examination experience.
- Experience mentoring and supporting ecology team members.
- Well-developed understanding of relevant wildlife legislation and compliance requirements.

About you
- Proactive, confident, and able to lead client-facing work.
- Strong communicator with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
- Committed to innovation, continuous professional development, and a proactive approach to Health and Safety.
- Enthusiastic about working in a diverse and inclusive environment that values different perspectives and backgrounds.

Qualifications
- Membership of an appropriate professional institution (e.g., CIEEM) with evidence of working towards Chartership or equivalent.
- Relevant academic qualifications in ecology or related disciplines.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and maintaining high technical standards.