Associate Director Ecology

**Company Description** Work with Us. Change the World.**

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

We have an opportunity for an Associate Ecologist to join our Nature team in Central England and the North West. The role will involve working as part of our experienced team, leading on the delivery of high-profile projects and championing the integration of nature into decision-making and project planning. The role can be based in our teams in Nottingham, Birmingham, Manchester or hybrid based to incorporate remote working.

As an Associate Ecologist the role will require you to:

- Lead the planning and delivery of ecological inputs for both internal and external clients ;
- Produce and technically review a range of ecological assessments including Preliminary Ecological Appraisal; Protected Species Baseline Reports; Ecological Impact Assessments; Habitats Regulations Assessment; and Biodiversity Net Gain Calculations;
- Provide technical leadership to support the delivery of proportionate and pragmatic solutions;
- Lead consultation and engagement with clients and key project stakeholders including planning authorities, statutory bodies and the public;
- Play a key role in the continued development of our technical capabilities and encourage the embedding of innovation/research;
- Lead the production of bids and tenders for ecological services;
- Mentor and support both junior staff and peers.

**Being part of a team;**

At AECOM, our commitment to shaping a sustainable future is embodied in our Environment & Sustainability Business which seamlessly integrates Nature, Planning & Communities, and Carbon & Advisory, and delivers solutions for our clients, promoting social and environmental benefit.

As an Associate Director with AECOM you would be part of our Nature team, which comprises experts in ecology and natural capital and is dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions to support a nature positive future. From large-scale ecological survey programmes to integrating nature into decision-making and investment planning, our team champions nature-based solutions.

With a wealth of experience, knowledge, and specialist skill sets, our Ecology team includes national and global leaders located across the UK and Republic of Ireland, from species licence holders to experts in impact assessment, habitat creation, ecosystem restoration, enhancement, and management. Our Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) professionals not only influence policy and guidance but steer practical and collaborative design decisions that promote positive outcomes.

The role offers the opportunity to develop your experience as part of our highly experienced team and help deliver groundbreaking projects that can deliver meaningful biodiversity gains. Ours is a supportive and growing team which provides excellent career support and development and is part of a wider group of technical experts that includes EIA specialists, arborists, planners, engineers, and landscape architects, which enables knowledge sharing and support across the business.
**Qualifications** Here’s what we will need from you;**
- Membership of an appropriate professional institution and working towards or obtained Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Environmentalist status;
- Excellent knowledge of relevant wildlife legislation and policy;
- Excellent communication and reporting skills;
- Experience of leading and managing ecological surveys/licensing/impact assessment (as relevant to your areas of specialisms) as demonstrated by suitable professional experience;
- Experience in managing projects, project budgets and leading stakeholder discussions;
- Experience of reviewing/verifying technical work and supporting wider team members;
- Experience of bidding/tendering;
- Holder of protected species survey and/or mitigation licences;
**Additional Information**

**About AECOM**

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transport