Principal Aquatic Ecologist

Start here. Grow here. 

Are you ready to lead a team of passionate ecologists working to protect enhance and restore our aquatic environment 

Our multidisciplinary Water Environment team are looking for a Principal Aquatic Ecologist to provide technical expertise for new and existing projects aiding the continued growth and development of our successful team. 

At AECOM were at the forefront of innovation delivering an exceptional portfolio of water programmes and projects through long-term partnerships with key clients. These include the Environment Agency and Natural England Water Companies renewable energy projects nationally significant infrastructure projects and many others. We deliver a diverse range of projects such as: baseline data collection and monitoring for major infrastructure and utility projects fish passage and weir removal projects fish rescue and translocation habitat restoration for regulators and the private sector pollution response surveys water quality investigations the list goes on!

Our Aquatic Ecology team operates in our Nottingham and Leeds laboratories analysing macroinvertebrate and other samples undertaking the full range of aquatic field surveys and providing robust technical deliverables and services to our clients. Whilst taking advantage of our flexible hybrid working model you can be based in any of our UK offices. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to support a talented passionate team committed to leaving a positive impact on our aquatic environment. 

Heres what youll do:

• Lead: Manage and coordinate the technical delivery of aquatic ecology input on projects for internal and external clients. 
• Deliver: Undertake data analysis and processing; producing EcIA documents in line with CIEEM guidelines. Provide aquatic ecology input into EcIA planning mitigation and multi-disciplinary projects. Author technical reports and work with our wider teams to provide specialist input. 
• Collaborate: Work closely with other members of the Aquatic Ecology Water Environment and Ecology teams to support a coherent nationwide approach providing expert advice to our clients.

Become part of our dynamic Water business which boasts around 660 experts across the UK & Ireland with 20 aquatic ecology specialists in your team. Collaborate with top-tier consultants to deliver a variety of captivating projects from small initiatives to large-scale ventures all the way from concept to completion. 

Qualifications :

Ready to push the limits of whats possible 

Heres what were looking for:

• A degree (or equivalent) in Aquatic Ecology or another related discipline such as Freshwater Marine Biology Ecology Zoology. 
• Understanding and experience implementing industry standard monitoring techniques and analyses for aquatic ecology (macroinvertebrates macrophytes river habitats etc.) and associated consenting/permitting requirements.
• Familiar with legislation relating to the aquatic environment and its implementation including the Water Framework Directive (WFD). 
• Experience of the EcIA/EIA process from baseline data collection (desk-based and field surveys) to impact assessment and mitigation design. 
• Member of CIEEM CIWEM IFM or similar professional body or eligible to qualify.
• Able to travel to site. 

Come grow with us.

If youre passionate about innovation and turning bold ideas into reality we want to hear from you! Why not give our AECOM Water page on LinkedIn a follow to stay updated on the impactful projects were working on and see firsthand the difference were making in the industry! 

We celebrate diversity including neurodiversity and believe it enriches our team. If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process please contact us at

We recognise that everyones circumstances are different and were happy to discuss part-time or flexible working arrangements that suit you. Here you will thrive in an inclusive and forward-thinking environment where your contributions are valued - and lets not forget about the perks! Youll 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 technical practice networks AECOM University volunteering days and our flexible hybrid working model to ensure a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle. 

Additional Information :

Interested in the role or curious about life at AECOM Follow us on LinkedIn Facebook Instagram and YouTube to explore our AECOM voices employee stories latest projects and much more!
For further information about the role reach out to the recruiter on LinkedIn Katie Scales.

About AECOM

AECOM is the worlds 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 their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise a culture of equity diversity and inclusion and a commitment to environmental social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $14.4 billion in fiscal year 2023. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at and @AECOM.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity 

You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether youre working from an AECOM office remote location or at a client site you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.

You will help us foster a safe and respectful workplace where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.

AECOM provides a wide array of compensation benefits and well-being programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. Were the worlds trusted global infrastructure firm and were in this together your growth and success are ours too.

Join us and youll get all the benefits of being a part of a global publicly traded firm access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer we believe in each persons potential and well help you reach yours.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long-term condition who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Please let us know using this email address   if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.