Location
Cambridge, Basingstoke, Croydon, Leeds, Nottingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bristol, Dublin, Cork (other locations may be considered)

Hours
Flexible hybrid working model

Salary
Competitive salary and benefits package

About the Role
Join AECOM’s dynamic Nature team as a Principal Ecologist and help shape the future of the environment. You will lead and support the delivery of high-quality ecological consultancy and advisory services to internal and external clients across a diverse range of projects. These include power and renewables, infrastructure, environment, and transport sectors, working alongside disciplines such as landscape, GIS, engineering, sustainability, and drainage.

Your responsibilities will include overseeing the planning, scheduling, and organisation of all phases of ecological project work, ensuring resources, budgets, and controls meet programme requirements. You will develop technically robust and pragmatic solutions to complex ecological issues, lead the production of ecology chapters for environmental statements and protected species licence applications, and author or technically review project deliverables to ensure high-quality outputs. You will also support the continued development of the team’s technical capabilities.

Become part of a Nature business with around 150 professional experts across the UK&I, including national and global leaders in impact assessment, habitat creation, ecosystem restoration, enhancement, and management. Thrive in an inclusive, forward-thinking environment where your contributions are valued. Enjoy career development opportunities, technical practice networks, AECOM University, volunteering days, and a flexible hybrid working model that supports your work-life balance.

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 supporting wider team members.

About you
- Motivated to push the limits of what’s possible in ecological consultancy.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Committed to working collaboratively within a diverse and inclusive team.
- Enthusiastic about contributing to sustainable environmental solutions.

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