Associate Director - Ecology
AECOM · Basingstoke, England ·
Last confirmed by our partners on 19 Oct 2026.
Overview
As an Associate Ecologist in our UK Nature team, you will lead ecological inputs across major infrastructure projects and local assignments. You’ll provide technical leadership, develop ecological assessments, and support bid efforts while mentoring colleagues.
You’ll collaborate with clients, planning authorities, and stakeholders to deliver practical, compliant solutions that support sustainable development. You’ll work within a nurturing team culture that values innovation and continuous capability growth.
This role offers meaningful impact by shaping environmental outcomes on high-profile projects across energy, water, and transport sectors.
Pay / Benefits
- hybrid working model
- career development opportunities
- AECOM University
- volunteering days
- well-being programs
- competitive compensation
Responsibilities
- Lead planning and delivery of ecological inputs for internal and external clients
- Produce and review ecological assessments (PEA, Baseline Reports, EIAs, Habitats Regulations Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain calculations)
- Provide technical leadership for proportionate, pragmatic solutions
- Lead consultation with clients and project stakeholders including authorities and the public
- Support development of technical capabilities and embed innovation/research
- Lead bids and tenders for ecological services
- Mentor and support junior staff and peers
Key requirements
- Experience planning and delivering ecological services on UK/Ireland projects
- Strong understanding of wildlife conservation
- Membership of a professional institution with progress toward Chartership (e.g., CIEEM)
- Excellent field skills in at least one specialist area including protected species licences
- Proactive Health and Safety mindset
- Mentoring experience within ecology teams
- Mentoring and coaching
- Client and stakeholder engagement
- Collaborative teamwork
- Ecological survey techniques for species and habitats
- Habitat Regulations Assessments
- Biodiversity Net Gain calculations