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

Hours
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 internal and external clients. Your responsibilities will include planning, scheduling, and organising all phases of ecological project work, ensuring resources, budgets, and controls meet programme and budget 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 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. 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, project management, budget oversight, 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 lead complex projects and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams. Embraces diversity and inclusion, contributing positively to an inclusive workplace culture.

Qualifications
Degree or equivalent 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.