Location
Liverpool, UK (Hybrid work model)

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Competitive, commensurate with experience

About the Role
Join AECOM’s dynamic Nature team as a Principal or Associate Director specialising 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 role will involve overseeing the preparation of high-quality, commercially astute bids and tenders, managing projects from survey scoping through to final assessment, and acting as lead verifier to ensure technical excellence in all ornithological deliverables such as EIA chapters and HRAs.

You will plan and organise bird survey and analysis work, ensuring resources, budgets, and schedules meet project requirements. You will also undertake surveys when necessary, provide expert consultancy and advisory services, and develop pragmatic solutions to complex ecological challenges across a variety of habitats including grassland, woodland, moorland, wetland, and coastal environments.

Effective communication with internal teams, clients, and statutory bodies is essential, as is mentoring junior staff and driving strategic initiatives to enhance ornithology capabilities within the region. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful environmental projects while working within a supportive, inclusive, and forward-thinking global organisation.

At AECOM, you will benefit from a flexible hybrid working model, career development opportunities, technical practice networks, and a comprehensive range of personalised benefits designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Experience
- Proven track record of 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 complex ecological projects and delivering high-quality technical outputs.

About you
- Strong understanding of UK or Irish wildlife conservation legislation and policy frameworks protecting birds.
- Proactive approach to Health and Safety.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to mentor junior staff.
- Commitment to innovation, continuous professional development, and delivering pragmatic ecological solutions.
- Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and engage effectively with clients and statutory bodies.

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

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities and encourage candidates with transferable skills to apply. AECOM is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is a Disability Confident Employer.