Overview
Aquatic Ecologist Graduate - Edinburgh - start Summer 2026
Company: AECOM, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World. At AECOM, we\'re delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world\'s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world\'s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations. There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of nearly 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world. We\'re one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
About Our Team: Ecology is part of AECOM\'s Environment business which provides environmental management services for feasibility, impact analysis and operational compliance as well as remediation, restoration and re-use of impacted property. Our Edinburgh office is currently seeking one individual to start during Summer 2026. The Graduate Aquatic Ecologist will support the delivery of consultancy and advisory services, including a wide range of fieldwork and site work opportunities, to both internal and external clients to a high level of technical quality and to programme and budget.
Here’s what you’ll do:
* Support the delivery of existing and new contracts for the collection and analysis of aquatic survey data including fish, macroinvertebrates, crayfish, macrophytes, riparian mammals, River Habitat Survey etc.;
* Conduct laboratory analysis of macroinvertebrate samples (family and mixed-taxon) in our Leeds or Nottingham laboratory;
* Assist with a wider range of terrestrial ecology surveys
* Work as part of the existing network of AECOM ecologists and water scientists within the UK and Ireland;
* Communicate with line manager, project managers, clients, project teams and other members of the Aquatic Ecology and Water Environment team in person, by telephone, e-mail, letters and reports;
* Comply with internal business management procedures, including in relation to health and safety and technical quality of all advice and outputs;
* Contribute to maintaining internal and external client relationships, including providing urgent ecological response and / or advice as required;
* Collaborate with colleagues in wider AECOM teams on multi-disciplinary projects;
* Assist with other administrative duties which add value to the management and development of the team.
Perks and Development
* Learn and develop within a supportive graduate programme; two-year Graduate ADVANCE programme with instructor-led training, online curriculum via AECOM University, and opportunities to pursue Chartership with relevant professional bodies (CIEEM or IFM).
* On-the-job support with mentoring by a senior team member; involvement in live projects and business development tasks.
* Hybrid work model and career development opportunities, including technical practice networks and volunteering days.
* Access to AECOM University and apprenticeship-style development pathways.
Qualifications
Ready to push the limits of what’s possible? Here’s what we’re looking for:
* A degree (preferably MSc or higher, but BSc considered) in Aquatic Ecology/ Ecology or related discipline (Freshwater Biology, Marine/Ecology/Zoology) would be an advantage, as would previous commercial and/or regulatory experience.
* Freshwater experience is essential
* The successful candidate will understand some or all the following: aquatic ecology and surveys such as fish, macroinvertebrates, crayfish, macrophytes, riparian mammals and/or River Habitat Survey.
* Microsoft Office skills essential such as Word, Excel & PowerPoint
* Ability to structure & prioritise work effectively through close cooperation with the team as a whole
* Solid attention to detail
* Strong numeracy
* Ability to communicate effectively to internal and external clients, both verbally & in writing with the confidence to engage with a variety of people (clients, colleagues, stakeholders and sub-contractors alike) and the aptitude to rationally explain, explore and discuss technical issues and capture feedback
Desirable
* Full driving license and willingness to travel on occasion is desirable (some site travel with equipment may be required)
We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us at ReasonableAccommodations@aecom.com
At AECOM, we value everyone\'s unique contributions and perspectives. If you meet some of the requirements above or have transferable skills you believe would benefit us, we would be delighted to hear from you!
Additional Information
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible since CVs will be reviewed, and candidates selected on a rolling recruitment basis for either immediate or 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 Ireland as we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.
About AECOM
AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve our most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our technical and digital expertise, equity, diversity and inclusion, and ESG priorities. We are a Fortune 500 firm. See aecom.com for more information.
Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity
You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. You will be working in a dynamic environment where integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed. 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. ReasonableAccommodations@aecom.com can be used to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
ReqID: REF53194L
Business Line: Environment
Work Location Model: Hybrid
Seniority level
* Internship
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
* Industries: Architecture and Planning, Civil Engineering, and Construction
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