The Principal Marine Ecologist will lead technical marine ecological work and support business development within AECOM's Nature team across the UK and Ireland. This role involves client-facing responsibilities, project management, mentoring team members, and contributing to high-profile projects in sectors such as offshore wind, interconnectors, coastal developments, and habitat restoration.
What You'll Do
- Provide technical marine ecological and marine consenting advice internally and externally
- Direct inputs to a wide range of workstreams and deliverables across a broad range of projects
- Be involved in the full EIA or DCO development cycle of major projects
- Deliver marine ecology impact assessments including ES chapters and associated assessments (HRA, MCZ, WFD)
- Provide information to support the full range of licence and permitting applications needed for marine-based projects
- Ensure deliverables are produced to the highest quality standards and compliance with rigorous quality management procedures
- Tailor complex scientific information for different audiences using excellent writing and communication skills
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including underwater acoustics, coastal processes, water scientists, marine archaeologists, and EIA colleagues
- Contribute to work winning for the marine ecology team
- Develop technical and fee proposals
- Engage in marketing and business development activities
- Present confidently to internal and external audiences
- Contribute to client liaison
- Effectively manage projects, including resources and budgets
- Report on progress internally and to clients
- Undertake Project Management training to become an AECOM accredited PM
- Procure and manage specialist subcontractors when needed
- Help develop and train marine ecology team members
- Create a supportive environment for individuals to thrive
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience as a Subject Matter Expert in marine ecology
- Ability to provide marine ecological and marine consenting advice
- Experience in delivering marine ecology impact assessments including ES chapters
- Experience with HRA, MCZ, and WFD assessments
- Experience supporting licence and permitting applications for marine-based projects
- Strong understanding of EIA or DCO development cycles for major infrastructure projects
- Excellent writing and communication skills with ability to tailor scientific information for different audiences
- Proven project management skills including budget and resource management
- Ability to manage and procure specialist subcontractors
- Experience in mentoring and developing team members
- Client-facing experience with strong stakeholder engagement skills
- Technical proposal development experience
- Ability to contribute to business development and marketing initiatives
- Detail-oriented with commitment to quality assurance and compliance
Nice to Have
- Experience in sectors such as floating offshore wind, national and international interconnectors, habitat restoration, flood defence schemes, and coastal developments
- Prior experience working within a multidisciplinary environmental consultancy
- Familiarity with AECOM’s quality management procedures
- Previous accreditation as a project manager
Technical Stack
- EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment)
- DCO (Development Consent Order)
- HRA (Habitat Regulation Assessment)
- MCZ (Marine Conservation Zone)
- WFD (Water Framework Directive)
- Marine consenting processes
- Environmental reporting
- Project management software
Team & Environment
- Multidisciplinary team including marine and aquatic ecologists, marine EIA specialists, underwater acoustics, coastal processes, water scientists, and marine archaeologists
- Reports to: Marine Ecology Lead
Benefits & Compensation
- Flexible hybrid working model
- Career development opportunities
- Work-life balance tailored to individual lifestyle
- Technical practice networks
- AECOM University (internal training and development)
- Volunteering days
Work Mode
Hybrid role with office locations in Basingstoke, Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol, Leeds, Birmingham, Cambridge, and Dublin. Flexible hybrid working model allowing work-life balance suited to individual lifestyle.
AECOM is committed to equal employment opportunity and advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.
