Principal Ecologist – BNG Specialist

Overview

In this role you will lead biodiversity net gain (BNG) work for UK infrastructure and development projects, shaping ecological outcomes across multiple programmes. You will collaborate with our UK&I BNG leadership and cross-functional teams to develop the BNG vision, upskill ecologists, and drive client engagement. You’ll influence both policy-aligned assessments and practical design decisions, delivering high-impact biodiversity insights at scale.

Pay / Benefits

• career development opportunities
• flexible hybrid working
• AECOM University
• volunteering days
• technical practice networks
• well-being programs

Responsibilities

• Deliver ecological BNG inputs for internal and external clients
• Produce and review BNG-related assessments (feasibility, design stage, NBB, BNG)
• Develop and contribute to the UK&I BNG vision with the BNG lead
• Upskill ecologists across the business
• Support client and stakeholder consultations with planning authorities and public bodies
• Contribute to development of technical capabilities and embed innovation/research
• Collaborate with digital and data teams to advance digital biodiversity tools
• Lead bids and tenders for ecological and BNG services
• Mentor junior staff and peers

Key requirements

• Degree (or equivalent) in ecology or an associated subject; 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 teammates, and bidding/tendering

• Stakeholder engagement
• Mentoring and coaching
• Collaborative teamwork
• BNG assessments for infrastructure
• UKHabs data interpretation
• Habitat Condition Assessments

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