Location
Basingstoke (Other locations including Newcastle, Manchester, Cambridge, Liverpool, Croydon, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Edinburgh may be considered)

Hours
Full Time with a flexible hybrid working model

Salary
Negotiable

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 both internal and external clients. Your role will involve overseeing, planning, scheduling, and organising all phases of ecological project work, ensuring resources, budgets, and controls are in place to meet programme and budget requirements. You will develop technically robust and pragmatic solutions to complex ecological issues, lead and support the production of ecology chapters for environmental statements and protected species licence applications, and author or technically check project deliverables to ensure high-quality outputs. You will also support the continued development of our technical capabilities.

At AECOM, you will be part of a Nature business with around 230 professional experts across arboriculture, forestry, groundwater, surface water, and ecology. The team includes national and global leaders with expertise ranging from species licence holders to specialists in impact assessment, habitat creation, ecosystem restoration, enhancement, and management. Thrive in an inclusive and forward-thinking environment where your contributions are valued. Benefit from career development opportunities, technical practice networks, AECOM University, volunteering days, and a flexible hybrid working model designed to support your work-life balance.

Experience
Proven experience leading and managing ecological surveys, licensing, and impact assessments. Demonstrated ability in work-winning, managing projects and budgets, and leading stakeholder discussions. Experience reviewing technical work and supporting wider team members.

About you
Committed to pushing the limits of what’s possible with a passion for ecology and environmental consultancy. Able to work collaboratively in a diverse and inclusive environment. Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to deliver high-quality outputs and pragmatic solutions.

Qualifications
Degree or equivalent in ecology or an associated subject. Membership of an appropriate professional institution and working towards or holding Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Environmentalist status. Holder of protected species survey and/or mitigation licences.