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 Ecology Lead for major projects across the UK and Ireland. You will lead the ecological aspects of high-profile infrastructure projects, including Development Consent Order (DCO) schemes, working closely with clients, project teams, and stakeholders to plan, manage, report, and defend technical ecology outputs through relevant planning regimes. Supported by a comprehensive ecology team, you will coordinate multidisciplinary teams to deliver successful project outcomes across sectors such as energy, water, renewables, defence, and transport.

In this role, you will act as the main client contact, representing AECOM at meetings, site visits, and stakeholder discussions. You will provide mentorship to ecology team members and contribute to project bidding, initiation, delivery, and review processes. The position offers the opportunity to work within a forward-thinking, inclusive environment that values innovation, professional development, and a commitment to environmental and social governance.

Become part of a team of around 150 experts including national and global leaders in species licensing, impact assessment, habitat creation, ecosystem restoration, and management. Enjoy career development opportunities, flexible hybrid working, technical practice networks, and a range of personalised benefits designed to support your well-being and future growth.

Experience
- Demonstrable experience in planning and delivery of ecological services on projects in the UK or Ireland
- Experience leading ecology on major projects, ideally including DCO schemes and examination phases
- Proven ability to act as Lead Verifier/Approver for technical ecology deliverables
- Experience mentoring and supporting ecology team members

About you
- Confident and proactive with strong client-facing skills
- Committed to innovation, continuous professional development, and health and safety
- Able to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and manage project budgets and schedules
- Enthusiastic about contributing to an inclusive and diverse workplace culture

Qualifications
- Membership of a relevant professional institution (e.g., CIEEM) with evidence of working towards Chartered status
- Well-developed understanding of relevant UK and Ireland wildlife legislation
- Commitment to maintaining professional standards and ongoing learning