Location
Croydon

Hours
Hybrid working model with flexibility to work from AECOM offices, remote locations, or client sites

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

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, working on 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 preparing high-quality, commercially astute bids and tenders, managing all ornithological aspects of projects from survey scoping 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 work, and deliver consultancy and advisory services to internal and external clients. This role also involves mentoring junior staff and driving strategic initiatives to enhance ornithology skills and processes within the region. You will contribute to innovative, pragmatic solutions for complex ecological challenges across various bird habitats including grassland, woodland, moorland, wetland, and coastal environments. Effective communication and collaboration within the ecology team and with clients are essential. At AECOM, you will thrive in an inclusive, forward-thinking environment with access to career development, technical practice networks, AECOM University, volunteering days, and a flexible hybrid working model that supports work-life balance. Become part of a global team dedicated to delivering a better world through sustainable infrastructure and environmental stewardship.

Experience
- Proven track record supporting the planning and delivery of ornithology projects in the UK or Ireland
- Excellent field skills in at least one specialist area of ornithology
- Experience managing ornithological aspects of large infrastructure projects and delivering high-quality technical outputs

About you
- Strong understanding of UK or Irish wildlife conservation, including legal and policy frameworks protecting birds
- Proactive approach to Health and Safety
- Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to mentor junior staff and lead strategic initiatives
- Commitment to innovation, continuous professional development, and delivering pragmatic ecological solutions
- Enthusiastic about working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and engaging with clients professionally

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
- Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and fostering an inclusive workplace