Principal Ecologist

Start here. Grow here.  

Are you ready to join a team of talented ecologists and shape the future of the environment 

Join our dynamic Nature team as a Principal Ecologist in our Belfast Cork Galway and Cork (though other locations may be considered) and benefit through our flexible hybrid working model. At AECOM were at the forefront of innovation delivering an exceptional portfolio of Ecology programs and projects through longterm partnerships with key clients.

Current projects include a large number associated with green energy generation and grid infrastructure upgrades. We also work on largescale active travel projects across the country. We are working with clients to implement a Biodiversity Net Gain approach to their projects and support local planning authorities with Appropriate Assessment of Local Development Plans. You will work closely with colleagues in Scotland and the rest of the UK and there are opportunities for international work elsewhere.  

Heres what youll do: 

• Lead and support the preparation of high quality and commercially astute bids and tenders for ecological services notably in the energy defence and water sectors.
• Oversee plan schedule and organise all phases of ecological project work ensuring necessary resources budgets and controls are in place to meet both programme and budget requirements;
• Lead and support delivery of highquality ecological consultancy and advisory services to both internal and external clients including through our check and review processes;
• Support development of technically robust and pragmatic solutions to complex ecological issues;
• Lead and support production of ecology chapters for environmental statements and protected species licence applications;
• Author or technically check project deliverables to ensure high quality outputs;
• Support the continued development of our technical capabilities and reach;

If youre passionate about innovation and turning bold ideas into reality AECOM welcomes you. Join our team where we dont 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 were working on and see firsthand the difference were making in the industry!  

Come grow with us. 

Become part of our dynamic Natural business which boasts around 150 professional experts including approximately 20 staff across our Ireland and Scotland region working from offices in Dublin Cork Belfast Glasgow and Edinburgh. 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. 

And lets not forget about the perks at AECOM. Youll enjoy a range of core and personalised benefits designed to support your future and wellbeing customised to fit your lifestyle. Take advantage of career development opportunities our flexible hybrid working model to ensure a worklife balance that suits your lifestyle technical practice networks AECOM University and volunteering days

Qualifications :

Ready to push the limits of whats possible 

Heres what were looking for: 

• 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 workwinning managing projects project budgets and leading stakeholder discussions;
• Experience of reviewing technical work and supporting wider team members;
• Welldeveloped understanding of relevant wildlife conservation or in relation to a least one major habitat type or species;
• Membership of an appropriate professional institution and evidence of working towards Chartership (such as CIEEM or related. As we as excellent field skills in at least one specialist area including any protected species licences
• A full driving licence and willingness to visit other locations on company business

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 At AECOM we value everyones 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! 

Additional Information :

Additional information

There is also potential for travel to North Wales Scotland and internationally.

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). 

About AECOM

AECOM is the worlds 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 privatesector 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 youre 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 wellbeing programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. Were the worlds trusted global infrastructure firm and were in this together your growth and success are ours too.

Join us and youll get all the benefits of being a part of a global publicly traded firm access to industryleading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer we believe in each persons potential and well help you reach yours. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or longterm condition who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Please let us know using this email address   if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.

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