Principal Marine Ecologist
Join AECOM as a Principal Marine Ecologist in one of our UK and Ireland offices, including Basingstoke, Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol, Leeds, Birmingham, Cambridge and Dublin. Benefit from our flexible hybrid working model and the opportunity to apply your expertise on national and international projects across a variety of sectors such as offshore wind, interconnectors, habitat restoration, flood defence and coastal developments.
Company Description
AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services from advisory to construction management. We partner with clients to solve complex challenges and create lasting, positive impacts on communities and the environment.
Job Description
As a Principal Marine Ecologist, you will lead technical project delivery, manage business development, and mentor the marine ecology team. You will work closely with marine and aquatic ecologists, marine EIA specialists and multidisciplinary partners to deliver high‑quality marine ecology assessments and support licence and permitting applications.
Responsibilities
* Be a Subject Matter Expert: Provide technical marine ecological and consenting advice internally and externally, direct workstreams and deliverables, and support full EIA or DCO development cycles for major projects.
* Ensure Quality: Maintain rigorous quality standards and compliance with our quality management procedures, and communicate complex scientific information effectively to varied audiences.
* Collaborate: Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to improve environmental outcomes, partnering with specialists in underwater acoustics, coastal processes, water science and marine archaeology.
* Growth and Business Development: Contribute to client acquisition by developing technical and fee proposals, marketing materials, and presenting to internal and external audiences.
* Project Management: Manage project resources and budgets, track progress for internal and client reporting, and procure specialist subcontractors. Training will be provided to become an AECOM accredited project manager.
* Mentoring: Coach and develop marine ecology team members, fostering a supportive environment.
Qualifications
* Comprehensive marine ecological expertise with demonstrable experience in preparing and reviewing technical chapters and impact assessments (EIA, HRA, MCZ, WFD).
* In‑depth knowledge of marine consenting and licensing regimes across the UK, and experience liaising with regulatory bodies such as MMO, NRW, Scottish MD and Crown Estate.
* Ability to apply advanced scientific practices and technologies to diverse marine projects.
* Team coordination experience, including line management and mentorship of junior members.
* Business development experience, including tenders, client presentations.
Benefits
Enjoy core and personalised benefits, career development opportunities, a flexible hybrid working model, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days. AECOM supports work‑life balance and provides a wide array of compensation and well‑being programs.
Equal Opportunity and Accessibility
All applicants are considered on merit with equal opportunity. We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and abilities. If you need reasonable accommodation during the application process (e.g., difficulties in submitting a standard CV or interview), contact us at ReasonableAccommodations@aecom.com. AECOM is a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants with a disability or long‑term condition who meet the essential criteria for the role. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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