Location
Manchester (other locations considered: Newcastle, Cambridge, Liverpool, Basingstoke, Croydon, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh)

Hours
Full Time

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 responsibilities will include 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 comprising around 230 professional experts in arboriculture, forestry, groundwater, surface water, and ecology. Our 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. You will thrive in an inclusive and forward-thinking environment where your contributions are valued. Enjoy career development opportunities, a flexible hybrid working model, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days designed to support your future and well-being.

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
Motivated and confident ecologist ready to push the limits of what’s possible. Strong leadership skills and ability to deliver pragmatic ecological solutions. Able to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders. Committed to diversity and inclusion and able to contribute positively to an inclusive workplace.

Qualifications
Degree or equivalent qualification in ecology or a related 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.