Start here. Grow here.  

Are you ready to join a team of talented Ecologist’s and shape the future of the environment? 

Join our dynamic Nature team as a Principal Biodiversity Net Gain Specialist in our growing Manchester, Nottingham and Birmingham offices, as well as taking advantage of our flexible hybrid working model. At AECOM, we’re at the forefront of innovation, delivering an exceptional portfolio of Ecology programs and projects through long-term partnerships with key clients. Our Northern regional Nature teams are working on a new electrical transmission line for National Grid (facilitating the connection of proposed new offshore wind), rail projects including the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), nationally significant blue and green hydrogen production facilities, solar farm projects, in addition to various water and highways projects

In this role, you will lead and deliver biodiversity net gain (BNG) assessments for infrastructure and development projects across the UK. Our supportive environment offers both internal and external training opportunities within a nurturing mentoring and coaching framework.

Here’s what you’ll do: 

• Strategic Leadership: Provide strategic direction and leadership for biodiversity net gain initiatives, ensuring alignment with national and local planning policies and legislation. Working closely with the BNG lead to continue to develop the BNG Vision and Strategy for AECOM and work closely with our ecologists to ensure survey standards are maintained
• Project Delivery: Lead multidisciplinary project teams to deliver high-quality biodiversity inputs and assessments for infrastructure and development projects, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Technical Expertise: Serve as the technical authority on BNG, green infrastructure, ecosystem services, and natural capital, providing expert advice and solutions to clients and project teams.
• Quality Assurance: Oversee the checking and approval of proposals, reports, and assessments, ensuring compliance with quality assurance protocols and standards.
• Client Engagement: Engage and communicate effectively with clients, stakeholders, and project teams to promote the benefits and importance of biodiversity, green infrastructure, and ecosystem services.
• Mentorship and Development: Manage and mentor junior staff, fostering their technical and professional growth within the field of biodiversity and environmental management.
• Data Management: Lead the electronic capture, analysis, and presentation of biodiversity data, ensuring accuracy and relevance for project requirements.
• Environmental Advocacy: Advocate for and implement best practices in biodiversity and natural capital within project designs to achieve positive environmental outcomes.

If you're passionate about innovation and turning bold ideas into reality, AECOM welcomes you. Join our team, where we don't just construct infrastructure but also uplift communities and enhance lives. Why not give our AECOM page on LinkedIn a follow to stay updated on the impactful projects we're working on and see firsthand the difference we're making in the industry!  

Come grow with us. 

Become part of our dynamic Nature business, which boasts around 150 professional experts including national and global leaders located across the UK and Republic of Ireland, from species licence holders to experts in impact assessment, habitat creation, ecosystem restoration, enhancement, and management. Our Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) professionals not only influence policy and guidance but steer practical and collaborative design decisions that promote positive outcomes.At AECOM, you’ll thrive in an inclusive and forward-thinking environment where your contributions are valued.  

And let's not forget about the perks at AECOM. You'll enjoy a range of core and personalised benefits designed to support your future and well-being, customised to fit your lifestyle. Take advantage of career development opportunities, our flexible hybrid working model to ensure a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering