Location
Manchester (with opportunities in Newcastle, Cambridge, Liverpool, Basingstoke, Croydon, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and other locations considered)

Hours
Full Time - Flexible hybrid working model

Salary
Competitive salary commensurate with experience

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 portfolio of projects. These include power and renewables, infrastructure, environment, and transport sectors, collaborating with disciplines such as landscape, GIS, engineering, sustainability, and drainage. Recent projects include some of the largest UK solar farms, energy transition initiatives, habitats regulations assessments, and masterplanning for residential developments.

Key responsibilities include overseeing all phases of ecological project work, ensuring resources, budgets, and controls meet programme requirements, developing pragmatic solutions to complex ecological issues, authoring and reviewing ecology chapters for environmental statements and protected species licence applications, and supporting the development of technical capabilities within the team.

Become part of a team of around 230 professionals specializing in arboriculture, forestry, groundwater, surface water, and ecology, including national and global leaders. Thrive in an inclusive, forward-thinking environment where your contributions are valued. Benefit from career development opportunities, a flexible hybrid working model, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days designed to support your growth and well-being.

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
Committed to pushing the limits of what’s possible with a passion for ecology and environmental stewardship. You are a collaborative team player who thrives in a diverse and inclusive environment. You bring integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, and a pioneering mindset to your work and are eager to contribute to transformational outcomes.

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