Assistant Ecologist – Global Nature Team

Shape the future of nature-positive infrastructure.

Join AECOM's global Nature practice and contribute to some of the UK's most significant infrastructure, renewable energy, water and environmental programmes. As an Assistant Ecologist within our Enterprise Capability team, you will collaborate with internationally recognized experts, gain exposure to global best practice, and develop specialist skills in biodiversity, ecological assessment and nature-based solutions while helping deliver projects that create lasting environmental value. Applications are encouraged by recent graduates and early-career professionals seeking to build a long-term career in ecological and environmental consulting.

Our Enterprise Capability team is a strategic extension of AECOM's global business, delivering services to multidisciplinary projects across the UK and other international markets.

This is a unique opportunity to join a highly respected team of experts and gain exposure to nationally significant projects, including solar farms, energy infrastructure renewals, transport schemes, and water infrastructure upgrades. You will play a key role in supporting ecology projects while developing the technical, analytical and consultancy skills needed for a successful career in nature consulting.

Unlike many graduate ecology roles, this position offers immediate exposure to internationally significant projects, multidisciplinary teams, and global environmental best practice. You will work directly with experienced ecologists, planners, engineers and landscape architects while building consulting skills that are highly valued across international environmental and sustainability markets.

Working remotely as an integrated member of one of our regional ecology teams, you will receive structured training, mentoring and personalised career development support from experienced professionals dedicated to helping you succeed.

Here’s what you’ll do

As an Assistant Ecologist, you will contribute to a diverse range of ecological assessments and environmental projects by:

• Conducting desk-based ecological studies, including researching designated sites, habitats, and protected species records.
• Analysing ecological survey data, including bat audio recordings, infrared imagery, and thermal imaging outputs.
• Supporting Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and biodiversity offsetting calculations.
• Assisting in the preparation of Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) and protected species reports.
• Supporting the development of protected species licence applications, habitat management plans, monitoring strategies and ecological mitigation measures.
• Helping coordinate ecological field surveys and supporting project delivery teams across the UK.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary specialists in GIS, landscape architecture, environmental planning, water and engineering.
• You will also develop expertise in digital ecology tools and international assessment methodologies, including biodiversity metrics, GIS-enabled workflows, ecological data analysis, remote sensing technologies, AI-enabled processes, and global environmental standards.

Come grow with us

At AECOM, you'll be part of a thriving Nature business comprising more than 230 specialists across ecology, arboriculture, forestry, groundwater and surface water disciplines. Our team includes recognised industry leaders and technical experts who are shaping the future of environmental consultancy.

You'll benefit from:

• Direct collaboration with ecological specialists across the UK and global regions.
• Exposure to nationally significant infrastructure, renewable energy, transportation and water projects.
• Structured technical learning through formal training programmes and mentoring.
• Access to global knowledge networks and subject matter experts.
• Opportunities to build long-term international consulting careers.
• A culture focused on sustainability, innovation and continuous learning.
• Clear progression pathways from Assistant Ecologist through to Specialist and Project Ecologist roles.

This role is designed as an entry point into AECOM's global Nature practice. Successful candidates will have opportunities to develop into technical specialists, project ecologists and future environmental consulting leaders through structured development programmes and project experience.