Principal Ecologist - BNG Specialist

Overview

In this role, you will lead biodiversity net gain (BNG) work for UK infrastructure projects within a collaborative Nature team. You will shape BNG strategy, support client engagement, and develop our technical capabilities and tools. You’ll mentor ecologists, contribute to bids, and drive innovation in biodiversity assessments. This is a chance to impact major infrastructure while fostering sustainable outcomes across the UK.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible hybrid working
• career development opportunities
• AECOM University
• volunteering days
• technical practice networks
• personalised benefits

Responsibilities

• Deliver ecological BNG inputs for internal and external clients
• Produce and review BNG feasibility, design-stage reports, NBB assessments and BNG assessments
• Collaborate with the UK&I BNG lead to evolve the BNG Vision across the UK
• Upskill ecologists across the business
• Support consultation and engagement with clients, planning authorities, statutory bodies and the public
• Contribute to development of technical capabilities and embedding of innovation/research
• Collaborate with digital and data teams to advance digital biodiversity tools
• Lead the production of bids and tenders for ecological and BNG services
• Mentor and support junior staff and peers

Key requirements

• Degree (or equivalent) in ecology or related subject and membership of a professional institution
• Experience leading BNG assessments on large-scale infrastructure projects
• Excellent knowledge of relevant legislation and policy
• Experience interpreting UKHabs data and Habitat Condition Assessments
• Experience reviewing technical work, supporting the wider team, and bidding/tendering

• Stakeholder engagement and consultation
• Mentoring and coaching
• Collaborative, cross-functional teamwork
• BNG assessments and feasibility studies
• Habitat assessments and interpretation of UKHabs data
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and policy

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