Overview
AECOM are seeking a Graduate Ecologist in our Belfast office. This is a fantastic opportunity to further your career by gaining valuable work experience within an established and successful consultancy.
About our Team
Our Nature team is part of AECOM’s Environment, Water and Energy business (one of the leading environmental consultancies in the UK and Ireland) which delivers environmental management services for feasibility, designing innovative nature-based solutions, delivery and management of environmental impact assessment for planning and environmental due diligence to mitigate environmental risks. We work across terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments in a wide range of sectors: energy, water, government, manufacturing and transportation. Most of our work is based in the UK and Ireland, with possible opportunities overseas including Europe, Middle East and Africa. Our ecologists work alongside architects, engineers, planners, economists and other environmental specialists on important projects. Together we provide the full range of ecological services including habitat and species surveys, impact assessment, advice on biodiversity mitigation, offsetting and enhancement, and management planning for biodiversity.
Responsibilities
* Work within a multi-disciplinary team on desk-based assessments and field surveys including preliminary ecological appraisal, UKHab Survey, biodiversity net gain data collection and assessments, and a range of protected species surveys.
* Occasional fieldwork away from home and occasional night work when surveying.
* Support the team with good organization, research and planning to maintain high safety and technical standards.
* Work with a range of taxonomic groups and pursue your own interests as encouraged.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
* 2:1 degree and above (or equivalent) in Ecology or a subject with ecological component (e.g., Ecology, Environmental Biology, Zoology, Environmental Diagnosis and Management, Wildlife Conservation/Biodiversity, Conservation Biology and Resource Management, Species Identification and Surveying, Environmental Science/Consultancy, Environmental Management and Sustainability, Biological Science, Geography).
* Keen interest and understanding of UK/Irish wildlife.
* UK/Irish plant and animal identification skills (indirect and direct field signs).
* Good practical field skills and previous exposure to protected species surveys.
* Ability to record data efficiently and methodically.
* Strong Microsoft Office skills (Word and Excel) and strong numeracy.
* Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with the confidence to engage with a variety of people and the aptitude to discuss technical issues and capture feedback.
* Strong organisational skills and attention to detail; ability to structure and prioritise work in collaboration with the team.
* Self-motivation, enthusiasm, hardworking, with ambition and drive.
* Strong report writing skills and ability to work as part of a team.
* Commitment to continued education and improvement through approved training schemes.
* Willingness and ability to visit other locations on company business; driving licence would be beneficial due to travel for site surveys.
* Previous experience in the ecology sector (e.g., NGO volunteering or professional consultancy) would be beneficial.
Preferred Qualifications
* Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject.
* Experience of Phase 1 habitat or UKHab Surveys, Fossitt habitat, IVC and botanical surveys.
* Working towards protected species licences (e.g., bats, smooth newt).
* Membership of or working towards full membership of an appropriate professional institution.
* Evidence of published work in the ecology field.
Perks and Development
At AECOM, you’ll enjoy a range of core and personalised benefits designed to support your future and well-being. You can expect career development opportunities, a flexible hybrid working model, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days. The Graduate Development Programme supports your progression with a structured two-year ADVANCE programme including instructor-led training, online curriculum, and potential Chartered status with the relevant international professional institution.
Additional Information
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible since CVs will be reviewed, and candidates selected for an advanced offer start. Please include a covering letter with your application and provide all predicted and/or obtained academic grades. You must have permanent right to work in the UK as we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to our hiring approach; we are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants with a disability or long-term condition who meet the minimum criteria. See ReasonableAccommodations@aecom.com for accommodation requests.
About AECOM
AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through technical and digital expertise, equity and inclusion, and ESG priorities. We are a Fortune 500 firm with a global presence. Hybrid work options are available and we value flexibility, safety, and respectful workplaces.
ReqID: REF59138C • Business Line: Environment • Business Group: DCS • Strategic Business Unit: Europe & India • Career Area: Science • Work Location Model: Hybrid
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