Principal Ecologist – BNG Specialist

Overview

In this role, you will lead biodiversity net gain assessments for major infrastructure and development projects across the UK, shaping ecological outcomes in collaboration with a national team. You will contribute to a growing BNG capability, mentor colleagues, and support client engagement and bid development. The position combines science, policy understanding, and stakeholder dialogue to deliver measurable biodiversity improvements. This is an opportunity to influence infrastructure projects at scale while advancing innovative biodiversity tools and practices.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible hybrid working
• career development opportunities
• AECOM University
• volunteering days
• wellbeing programs
• competitive compensation

Responsibilities

• Deliver ecological Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) inputs for internal and external clients
• Produce and review biodiversity assessments including BNG feasibility, design stage reports, NBB assessments and BNG assessments
• Collaborate with the BNG lead for UK&I to shape the BNG vision and its UK-wide development
• Upskill ecologists across the business
• Support consultation and engagement with clients, planning authorities, statutory bodies and the public
• Contribute to development of technical capabilities and embed innovation/research
• Collaborate with digital and data teams to advance digital biodiversity tools
• Lead production of bids and tenders for ecological and BNG services
• Mentor and support junior staff and peers

Key requirements

• Degree (or equivalent) in ecology or related subject
• Membership of a relevant professional institution
• Experience leading BNG assessments on large-scale infrastructure projects
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and policy
• Experience interpreting UKHabs data and Habitat Condition Assessments
• Experience reviewing technical work, supporting team members, and bidding/tendering

• Stakeholder engagement and communication
• Mentoring and coaching
• Collaborative and cross-functional teamwork
• BNG assessments mastery
• BNG feasibility and design stage reporting
• NBB assessments

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