Location
Liverpool (Hybrid working model with flexibility to work from AECOM offices, remote locations, or client sites)

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Competitive salary and benefits package

About the Role
Join AECOM’s dynamic Nature team as an Associate Director and take the lead on major ecology 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. Supported by a comprehensive ecology team, you will select and coordinate appropriate teams to deliver high-profile infrastructure projects in sectors including energy, water, renewables, defence, and transport. Your role will involve acting as ecology lead on major projects such as Development Consent Order (DCO) schemes, providing technical advice, contributing to project bidding and delivery, and liaising with internal teams on scheduling and budgets. You will also mentor ecology team members and represent AECOM in client meetings, site visits, and stakeholder discussions. This is an opportunity to work within a team of around 150 experts across the UK&I, contributing to impactful projects that enhance communities and the environment. AECOM offers a flexible hybrid working model, career development opportunities, technical practice networks, and a supportive, inclusive culture focused on innovation and sustainability.

Experience
- Demonstrable experience in planning and delivering ecological services on projects in the UK or Ireland
- Experience working on DCO schemes, including examination phases, is highly desirable
- Proven ability to act as ecology lead on major projects and manage client relationships

About you
- Confident and proactive with strong leadership and mentoring skills
- Committed to innovation, continuous professional development, and a proactive approach to Health and Safety
- Able to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple stakeholders
- Passionate about delivering high-quality ecological outcomes and supporting team growth

Qualifications
- Membership of an appropriate professional institution (e.g., CIEEM) with evidence of working towards Chartered status
- Well-developed understanding of relevant wildlife legislation and planning regimes
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with an appreciation for diverse perspectives and neurodiversity