Associate Director

Start here. Grow here.  

Are you ready to join a team of talented ecologist’s and shape the future of the environment? 

Join our dynamic Nature team as an Associate Ecologist in Nottingham, Bristol, St Albans, Cambridge, Birmingham, Croydon, Basingstoke, Manchester, Bristol and Glasgow (flexible office locations across the UK), and benefit from our flexible hybrid working model. At AECOM, we’re at the forefront of innovation, championing nature-based solutions from large - scale ecological surveys to integrating nature into decision- making and investment planning.

Presently, our Northern regional Nature teams are working on a new electrical transmission line for National Grid (facilitating the connection of proposed new offshore wind), rail projects including the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), nationally significant blue and green hydrogen production facilities, solar farm projects, in addition to various water and highways projects and potential to travel to assist with North Wales, Scotland and potentially more internationally. 

In this role, depending on your interests and skillset, you will have opportunities to support on a variety of areas such as: using innovative techniques for species and habitats surveys, work winning and Biodiversity Net Gain mentoring. Our supportive environment offers both internal and external training opportunities within a nurturing mentoring and coaching framework.

Here’s what you’ll do: 

• 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.

If you're passionate about innovation and turning bold ideas into reality, AECOM welcomes you. Join our team, where we don't just construct infrastructure but also uplift communities and enhance lives. Why not give our AECOM page on LinkedIn a follow to stay updated on the impactful projects we're working on and see firsthand the difference we're making in the industry  

Come grow with us. 

Join our dynamic Natural business with over 150 professionals, including 30 based in Basingstoke, Cambridge, and Croydon. Our Ecology team features national and global leaders across the UK and Republic of Ireland, specializing in species licensing, impact assessment, habitat creation, ecosystem restoration, enhancement, and management. Our Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) experts shape policy, guide practical decisions, and foster collaborative designs for positive environmental outcomes.

And let's not forget about the perks at AECOM. You'll enjoy a range of core and personalised benefits designed to support your future and well-being, customised to fit your lifestyle. Take advantage of career development opportunities, our flexible hybrid working model to ensure a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible? 

Here’s what we’re looking for: 

• Degree (or equivalent) in ecology or an associated subject
• Membership of an appropriate professional institution and working towards or obtained Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Environmentalist status, and an holder of protected species survey and/or mitigation licences;
• Excellent knowledge of relevant wildlife legislation and policy, 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, and bidding/tendering
• Experience of reviewing/verifying technical work and supporting wider team members;

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us at ReasonableAdjustments@aecom.com. At AECOM, we value everyone's unique contributions and perspectives. 

If you meet some of the requirements above or have transferable skills you believe would benefit us, we would be delighted to hear from you 

Interested in the role or curious about life at AECOM? Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to explore our AECOM voices, employee stories, latest projects, and much more 

For further information about the role, reach out to the recruiter on LinkedIn (Melissa Moody). 

#LI-MM1

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 transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $14.4 billion in fiscal year 2023. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity 

You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.

You will help us foster a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.

AECOM provides a wide array of compensation, benefits and well-being programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We’re the world’s trusted global infrastructure firm, and we’re in this together – your growth and success are ours too.

Join us, and you’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm – access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.