Location
Croydon (Flexible hybrid working model with other locations considered including Cambridge, Basingstoke, Leeds, Nottingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bristol, Dublin, and Cork)

Hours
Full Time - Flexible hybrid working

Salary
Competitive salary and benefits package

About the Role
Join AECOM’s dynamic Nature team as a Principal Ecologist and play a key role in shaping the future of the environment. You will lead and support the delivery of high-quality ecological consultancy and advisory services across a diverse portfolio of projects in power and renewables, infrastructure, environment, and transport sectors. Collaborating closely with other disciplines such as landscape, GIS, engineering, sustainability, and drainage, you will oversee all phases of ecological project work, ensuring resources, budgets, and controls are in place to meet programme requirements. Your responsibilities will include developing technically robust and pragmatic solutions to complex ecological challenges, authoring and reviewing ecology chapters for environmental statements and protected species licence applications, and supporting the growth of technical capabilities within the team. You will become part of a team of around 150 professional experts across the UK & Ireland, working on projects such as large solar farms, cable tunnels, electricity network upgrades, habitats regulations assessments, and masterplanning for new residential developments. AECOM offers an inclusive and forward-thinking environment with a flexible hybrid working model, career development opportunities, technical practice networks, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and future growth.

Experience
- Proven experience leading and managing ecological surveys, licensing, and impact assessments.
- Demonstrated ability in work-winning, project management, budget oversight, and leading stakeholder discussions.
- Experience reviewing technical work and mentoring team members.

About you
- A motivated and collaborative professional passionate about ecology and environmental consultancy.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to deliver high-quality outputs and develop technical capabilities within a team.
- Adaptable to a flexible hybrid working environment and committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.

Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent qualification in ecology or a related subject.
- Membership of a relevant professional institution and working towards or holding Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Environmentalist status.
- Holder of protected species survey and/or mitigation licences.