Principal Ecologist - Biodiversity Net Gain Specialist

Job Description

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 a Principal Biodiversity Net Gain Specialist in our growing Manchester, Basingstoke, Croydon, Bristol, Cambridge, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham and Birmingham offices (we may also consider other locations across the UK), as well as taking advantage of our flexible hybrid working model. At AECOM, we’re at the forefront of innovation, delivering an exceptional portfolio of Ecology programs and projects through long-term partnerships with key clients. Our BNG team are working on a range of projects across the UK including 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.

In this role, you will deliver biodiversity net gain (BNG) assessments for infrastructure and development projects across the UK. Our supportive environment offers both internal and external training opportunities within a nurturing mentoring and coaching framework.

Here’s what you’ll do: 

• Work on delivery of ecological BNG inputs for both internal and external clients;
• Produce and technically review a range of biodiversity assessments including BNG feasibility and design stage reports, NBB assessments and BNG assessments;
• Work closely with our BNG lead for UK&I to continue to develop our BNG Vision as the area of biodiversity develops across the UK;
• Work on the upskilling of ecologists across the business;
• Support 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;
• Work closely with our digital and data teams to continue development of our digital biodiversity tools;
• Lead the production of bids and tenders for ecological and BNG 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. 

Become part of our dynamic Nature business, which boasts around 150 professional experts including 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. At AECOM, you’ll thrive in an inclusive and forward-thinking environment where your contributions are valued. 

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. 

Qualifications

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, and a membership of an appropriate professional institution
• Experience of leading BNG assessments on large scale infrastructure projects; as demonstrated by suitable professional experience;
• Excellent knowledge of relevant legislation and policy;
• Experience of interpreting UKHabs data and Habitat Condition Assessments;
• Experience of reviewing technical work, supporting wider team members, and bidding/tendering.

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 [email protected]. 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! 

Additional Information

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).  Melissa Moody | LinkedIn

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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 $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. 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.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long-term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Please let us know using this email address [email protected]  if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.

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