Location
Croydon

Hours
Hybrid working model with flexibility to work from office, remote location, or client site

Salary
Competitive salary with a wide array of compensation, benefits and well-being programs tailored to support your lifestyle and future

About the Role
Join AECOM’s dynamic Nature team as a Principal or Associate Director specializing in Ornithology. You will lead and manage ornithological projects across the UK and Ireland, supporting a diverse portfolio including large infrastructure projects in energy, water, renewables, defence, and transport sectors, as well as smaller local initiatives. Your responsibilities will include managing high-quality, commercially astute bids and tenders for ornithological services, overseeing projects from survey scoping through to final assessment, and acting as lead verifier to ensure technical excellence. You will author and review key deliverables such as EIA chapters and HRAs, plan and organise bird survey and analysis work, and deliver consultancy and advisory services to internal and external clients. You will also mentor junior staff and contribute to strategic initiatives to enhance the ornithology skillset and processes within the region. This role offers the opportunity to work within a team of around 230 experts, including national and global leaders, in an inclusive and forward-thinking environment that values innovation, professional development, and work-life balance. At AECOM, you will be part of a global infrastructure consulting firm committed to delivering sustainable legacies and positive impacts for communities worldwide.

Experience
- Proven track record in planning and delivering ornithology projects in the UK or Ireland
- Excellent field skills in at least one specialist area of ornithology
- Experience managing projects from conception through to delivery and verification

About you
- Strong understanding of UK or Irish wildlife conservation, including legal and policy frameworks protecting birds
- Proactive approach to Health and Safety
- Commitment to innovation and continuous professional development
- Effective communicator able to engage professionally with clients, colleagues, and statutory bodies
- Enthusiastic mentor and team player who takes ownership of strategic initiatives to improve ornithological capabilities

Qualifications
- Membership of an appropriate professional institution (e.g., CIEEM) with evidence of working towards Chartership or equivalent
- Relevant academic and professional qualifications in ecology or ornithology preferred