Overview

We are looking to expand our Ecology Team in Northern Ireland through the recruitment of a Consultant Ecologist. Our varied portfolio of projects will provide exposure to the successful candidate of a variety of sectors including local authority, renewable energy, ports and harbours, public transport network and highways.

The successful candidate will report to the Ecology Team Lead in Ireland. With appropriate support from the Team, they will be involved with field surveys for plants, birds, protected mammals (including bats, badger, otter, pine marten and red squirrel), common lizard and smooth newt, and invertebrates. The candidate must have strong report writing skills and will be expected to be able to analyse and describe field survey results and to produce high quality professional reports, including defining potential impacts, making recommendations for further survey work and outlining mitigation measures.

The successful candidate will be expected to be able to work in a self-directed manner, often to tight deadlines. They will assist with large on-going ecological survey programmes, dealing with protected species at sites located across Northern Ireland and, if the need arises, the wider UK and Ireland. The successful candidate will be expected to be hands on, particularly during the busy field survey season. The role may involve night time working and there may be a requirement for overnight stays away from home to complete field survey work.

Candidates must have strong ecological survey skills and have proven experience in having carried out a range of protected species surveys, following a variety of methods for species or species groups. They will have excellent visual identification skills and be familiar with species ecologies. An ability to work on a range of taxonomic groups will be required.

A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of UK wildlife and the UK regulatory system(s) in respect of nature conservation is essential.

Job Responsibilities: The appropriate level of technical expertise is required in order that the Job / Project Accountabilities listed below can be carried out to the necessary standard:

  • Field based surveys, habitat and plant survey skills are particularly welcome, but the role will also include protected species surveys
  • Reporting to the team leader you will also interface directly with other team members, from graduate to Directors and with other internal design teams
  • You will have strong development skills and have the ability to develop and manage the work of others if and when required.
  • Have the technical ability, knowledge and competence to provide guidance to teach and develop junior staff.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and iteratively within a team.
  • Establishing strong working relationships with other internal teams, particularly within AECOM’s wider ecology team
  • Be aware of and understand the importance of quality and IMS procedures, their importance and their application to projects.

Minimum Requirements

  • 2:1 or better degree in ecology or related subject with an ecological component.
  • Full UK driving licence.
  • Excellent field skills and a keen interest in, and understanding of, UK wildlife and botany.
  • UK plant and animal identification skills.
  • Knowledge of all key UK environmental legislation and an understanding of the planning system.
  • Previous experience in carrying out protected species surveys and of coordinating such surveys.
  • Previous work experience in the ecology sector.
  • An ability to record data efficiently and methodically.
  • Excellent communication and report writing skills.
  • Hard working and highly motivated.
  • Client-focussed with good interpersonal skills and a team approach to working.
  • Willing and able to visit other locations on company business.
  • Able to demonstrate a commitment to continued education and improvement through participation in our approved training schemes.

Preferred Qualifications

  • A postgraduate qualification in relevant ecological subject.
  • A protected species licence, in particular for bats.
  • Proven experience of Phase 1 habitat and other botanical surveys.
  • Membership of, or working towards full membership of, relevant professional body (e.g. CIEEM).
  • Able to provide evidence of published work in the field of ecology.

Your benefits will include:

Helping our employees achieve a healthy work-life balance is important to us. If you join AECOM, as well as receiving a competitive salary, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore flexible working arrangements. Core benefits include 25 days’ annual leave, company pension scheme, private medical insurance, life assurance and one paid annual professional institution membership fee. You can also choose from a wide range of flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle.

You’ll also be able to give back to communities with up to two paid CSR days each year. Through our charity, The AECOM Foundation, you can volunteer to support children in developing countries. And if you’re a member of the Reserve Forces you’ll receive an additional 15 days paid leave for training commitments.

What We Offer

AECOM is a place where you can put your innovative thinking and business skills into high gear and work alongside other highly intelligent and motivated people. It’s a place where you can apply your skills to some of the world’s most challenging, interesting, and meaningful projects worldwide. It’s a place that values the diversity of our areas of practice and our people. It’s what makes AECOM a great place to work and grow. AECOM is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES: Please note that AECOM does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, AECOM will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, AECOM explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of AECOM.

Job Category Ecology

Business Line Environment

Business Group Design and Consulting Services Group (DCS)

Country United Kingdom

Position Status Full-Time

Requisition/Vacancy No. 186958BR

Clearance Required No

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.