Overview

AECOM is seeking to hire an Ecologist into our South East team to help deliver ecological consultancy and advisory services as part of our established, friendly and highly skilled ecology team. Our South East offices are in Basingstoke, London Aldgate or Croydon and we are flexible to have the successful candidate working in any of these locations.

One of our South East teams primary focuses is office based assessment work for local authorities across the country investigating the impacts of their Local Plans (proposals for housing and employment growth over c. 20 year periods) on Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and Ramsar sites. This is often called Habitat Regulations Assessment. This involves consideration of conventional ecological issues such as habitat loss from individual development sites, but particularly involves consideration of broader landscape-scale ecology matters that may apply across an entire district or county, such as recreational pressure from an increased population, water quality and water supply changes to watercourses from abstraction and changes in roadside ecology from vehicle exhaust emissions.

AECOM is therefore specifically interested in ecologists who want to go beyond conventional ecological consultancy (constant field work, protected species surveys and ecological impact assessment) and become involved in more strategic assessments of development impacts on internationally important wildlife sites on behalf of local authorities. This is an exciting opportunity to expand your ecological experience to consider ecology at the landscape scale and be supported in taking the next step in your career. Prior experience of such work is preferred but not essential as on-the-job training and guidance will be provided. Opportunities will exist to continue your conventional ecology work such as protected species surveys and ecological impact assessments.

AECOM’s clients in this field are broad and include national government organisations such as the Marine Management Organisation and Highways England, local authorities at all tiers (county councils, district councils, parish councils) across all English regions in addition to Wales and Scotland, the Greater London Authority and various London boroughs and private sector organisations such as Associated British Ports, National Grid, Thames Water and Affinity Water. Recent key projects include National Grid proposals to underground current overhead powerlines in the New Forest, the latest iteration of the London Plan and Highways England proposals to dual the A303 past Stonehenge.

The network of ecologists across AECOMs south-east England offices has established a good, friendly dynamic with a collaborative spirit. The offices all include a range of other teams in addition to the ecologists and there is therefore a strong interdisciplinary element to the office with a great deal of across-team interaction with considerable freedom to grow and develop your career. Corporate rates and cashback are available at some gyms and restaurants and offices operate internal activities such as yoga classes. In addition to conventional line management all junior staff members are mentored by another more experienced member of staff and AECOM is keen to provide and encourage people to take extra training to build their career and follow their passion. Since the work is largely office based there is considerable opportunity to adopt a work pattern more in line with conventional office hours than many ecologists and there is scope for flexible working including some home working.

AECOM offers the opportunity to work on high profile, challenging and innovative projects, alongside a highly competitive benefits package and as part of a forward-thinking and successful national Ecology Team.

Job Duties:

  • Working under the direct supervision of one of the company’s most senior ecologists (Technical Director) and alongside other ecologists on strategic ecological assessments (Habitat Regulations Assessments) for local authorities regarding the impacts of their long-term growth aspirations on internationally important wildlife sites;
  • Assisting in the winning and delivery and management of such projects;
  • Assisting in liaising with clients, project managers and other project stakeholders including statutory bodies;
  • The work is primarily desk-based and office-based although many opportunities will exist to continue your conventional ecology work such as protected species surveys and ecological impact assessments. However these will not be part of the primary role;
  • Undertaking other tasks which add value to the development of the ecology team or support wider environmental business goals, as required.

Minimum Requirements

  • Experience as a working ecologist/environmental scientist with ecological relevance (e.g. undertaking ecological impact assessment work, field surveys to inform such work, and/or desk based ecological impact assessment);
  • Proactive and careful approach to Health and Safety;
  • Prior experience of Habitat Regulations Assessment work (particularly for Local Plans) is valuable but not essential;
  • Knowledge of the internationally important wildlife sites system in the UK (Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, Ramsar sites) and the legal protection afforded through the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017;
  • A track record in, or aspirations for, continuing professional development and supporting the development / management of junior ecologists.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Recognised degree in a biological, science or related discipline – a relevant post graduate qualification in the one of these would be advantageous;
  • Prior experience or knowledge of one or more of the following issues as they relate to ecological receptors useful but not essential: recreational pressure, changes in water quality/resources, changes in air quality (nitrogen deposition), impacts on functionally-linked land;
  • Licensed to drive a vehicle in the UK is preferred however, reasonable adjustments can be made where necessary

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

When you join AECOM, you become part of a company that is pioneering the future . Our teams around the world are involved in some of the most cutting-edge and innovative projects and programs of our time, addressing the big challenges of today and shaping the built environment for generations to come. We ensure a workplace that encourages growth, flexibility and creativity, as well as a company culture that champions inclusion, diversity and overall employee well-being through programs supported by company leadership. Our core values define who we are, how we act and what we aspire to, which comes down to not only delivering a better world , but working to “make amazing happen” in each neighborhood, community and city we touch. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.

Job Category Ecology

Business Line Environment

Business Group Design and Consulting Services Group (DCS)

Country United Kingdom

Position Status Full-Time

Requisition/Vacancy No. 204395BR

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.