Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal Ecologist to join the Aquatic Ecology Team of a large and successful international consultancy with multidisciplinary offices throughout the UK. The successful applicant will be based in AECOM’s out of our Nottingham Leeds or Basingstoke office with flexibility to work from home. You will have a good understanding of all disciplines of freshwater ecology and fisheries ecology, fish identification, survey specifications and mitigation, specifically in relation to fish passage and weir removal, and the wider consideration of aquatic ecology in freshwater habitats. They will be able to analyse and interpret the data and provide robust technical opinion based on it.

The successful applicant will join a growing, friendly and highly motivated team and contribute to a diverse range of projects; baseline data collection for major infrastructure and utility projects, habitat restoration projects for regulators and the private sector, pollution response surveys and water quality investigations. A prime responsibility of the appointee will be to co-ordinate the activity of more junior members of the team in the field and laboratory, contribute to and review reports, develop monitoring strategies and provide specialist input to multi-disciplinary teams. The appointee would liaise closely with the aquatic team leader in the Nottingham office and our UK Aquatic Ecology, Water Environment and multi-disciplinary teams to support a coherent nationwide approach.

  • The role offers excellent career progression opportunities within AECOM and working with the Water Environment Team management you will have the opportunity to influence how the team continues to grow and develop. Technically you will have a good understanding of all disciplines of freshwater ecology to potentially include fish, algae, macroinvertebrates and macrophytes in freshwater and transitional habitats.
  • Utilises advanced scientific principles, theories, practices and existing technologies develop technical solutions to complex problems.
  • Interprets and records data, conducts analyses, compares findings to relevant studies and local, provincial and national regulations to ensure compliance. Work is performed with minimal direction.
  • Exercises considerable latitude in determining technical objectives of assignment. Responsible for advanced duties and activities in their specialised functional area.
  • Conducts research and does investigation work as required.
  • Plans and organises project studies.
  • Assists in the resolution of conflicting technical information and unsuitability of standard procedures.
  • Performs complex assignments often requiring the development of unique solutions to problems.
  • May oversee the work of less experienced scientists.

Minimum Requirements

  • Demonstrable experience of contributing to the production of ecological impact assessments (EcIA/EIA) and/or appropriate assessments (HRA);
  • Proven experience of contributing to (and leading where appropriate) WFD (Ecology/Biology) assessments;
  • An understanding of the industry standard monitoring techniques and analyses for fish, and experience in fish survey requirements and methodology including electric fishing and/or seine netting, and associated consenting/permitting requirements;
  • An understanding of the industry standard monitoring techniques and analyses for macroinvertebrates (RICT, BMWP, ASPT, WHPT etc.) and macrophytes (MTR, CSM, LEAFPACS2);
  • Knowledge of legislation relating to the aquatic environment and its implementation, particularly the Water Framework Directive;
  • Good personal time management, communication skills with internal and external clients and team members locally and nationally;
  • Willingness to learn new skills and to be flexible in terms of travelling and working hours as AECOM projects can be distributed across the UK;
  • A full UK driving licence

Additional desirable but not essential attributes for the role:

  • Experience of the scoping / requirements for fish passage improvements, including where appropriate fish pass design, installation and monitoring;
  • Experience of surveying and identifying fish, macrophytes, benthic diatoms and/or phytoplankton / zooplankton would be advantageous;
  • River Corridor / River Habitat Survey (RHS);
  • Protected Species Licence(s);
  • ArcGIS experience;
  • Phase 1 Habitat Survey or wider Ecology survey experience (Terrestrial Ecology);
  • RYA Powerboat Handling Level 2 qualification (or similar), Trailer Towing, 4×4 driving, or similar role-specific qualifications;
  • First Aid at Work qualification (although will be provided if required);
  • CSCS Card.

Preferred Qualifications

  • A degree in Aquatic Ecology or related discipline

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 Sciences

Business Line Environment

Business Group Design and Consulting Services Group (DCS)

Country United Kingdom

Position Status Full-Time

Requisition/Vacancy No. 247981BR

Additional Locations UK – Basingstoke, UK – Leeds

Virtual: 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.