Ecology Graduates

AECOM are seeking Graduate Ecologists. This is a fantastic opportunity to further your career by gaining valuable work experience within an
established and successful consultancy. Ecology is part of AECOM’s Environment business (one of the leading environmental consultancies in the UK and Ireland) which delivers environmental management services for feasibility, impact analysis and operational compliance as well as remediation, restoration and re-use of impacted property.

More than 160 professional ecologists support AECOM’s goal to deliver a better world through effective management of the biodiversity that underpins natural capital. We work across terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments in a wide range of sectors: power utilities; development; government; manufacturing; oil and gas; and transportation. Most of our work is based in the UK and Ireland, and there may also be opportunities overseas including Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Our ecologists work with architects, engineers, planners, economists and other environmental specialists on important projects. Together we provide the full range of ecological services including habitat and species surveys, impact assessment, advice on biodiversity mitigation, offsetting and enhancement, and management planning for biodiversity. As an organisation AECOM is built to deliver a better world. We design, build, finance and operate infrastructure assets for governments, businesses and organisations in more than 150 countries. As a fully integrated firm, we connect knowledge and experience across our global network of experts to help clients solve their most complex challenges. From high-performance buildings and infrastructure, to resilient communities and environments, to stable and secure nations, our work is transformative, differentiated and vital. A Fortune 500 firm, see how we deliver what others can only imagine at @AECOM. 

Job Responsibilities 

In this role you will be working within a multi-disciplinary team on field surveys including preliminary ecological appraisal, Phase 1 habitat surveys, other botanical surveys, ecological impact assessment and a range of protected species surveys. From time to time, fieldwork is likely to require working away from home and some working at night when surveying.

In addition to field skills, good organisation, research and planning skills are also required to support a team which works safely and to a high technical standard. You’ll also need to be able to work with a range of taxonomic groups, and you’ll be encouraged to
pursue your own interests. As an Ecology Graduate with AECOM, you will be trained in technical skills, safety, project management and business systems. We’ll support you with a structured graduate development programme to help you realise your full potential as an ecologist on some of the most significant projects in the UK, Ireland and overseas. We will also pair you with an experienced member of the team who’ll guide and mentor you through your initial period working on live projects. 

Job Requirements

• 2:1 degree and above (or equivalent) in Ecology or a subject with ecological component - Ecology, Environmental Biology, Zoology, Environmental Diagnosis and Management, Wildlife Conservation/Biodiversity, Conservation Biology and Resource Management, Species Identification and Surveying, Environmental Science/Consultancy, Environmental Management and Sustainability, Biological Science
• Keen interest and understanding of UK and/or Irish wildlife (where applicable)
• UK and or Irish plant and animal (indirect and direct field signs) identification
• Excellent field skills
• Previous exposure to protected species surveys
• Ability to record data efficiently and methodically
• Strong Microsoft Office skills including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Strong numeracy
• Ability to communicate effectively to internal and external clients, both verbally & in writing with the confidence to engage with a variety of people (clients, colleagues, stakeholders and sub-contractors alike) and the aptitude to rationally explain, explore and discuss technical issues and capture feedback 
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail. Ability to structure & prioritise work effectively through close cooperation with the team as a whole
• Self-motivation, enthusiasm, hard working, with ambition and drive
• Excellent research and report writing skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team, collaborating with colleagues, client and stakeholders as appropriate as well as independently without losing initiative & focus.
• Ability to work flexibly under pressure, responding to changing project and programme demands.
• Commitment to continued education and improvement through our approved training schemes
• Willing and able to visit other locations on company business
• A full driving licence would be beneficial as the role will involve travel for site surveys with equipment and limited public transport access
• Previous experience in the ecology sector (eg, with an NGO as a volunteer or within a professional consultancy) would be beneficial, including work placements or relevant voluntary experience.

For UK Ecology Roles:

• Good knowledge of all UK environmental law and an understanding of the relevant planning systems

For IRE Ecology Roles:

• A good understanding of Irish wildlife and its regulatory systems is essential.

Desirable

• Protected species licence, such as bats, great crested newts, hazel dormouse etc
• Postgraduate qualification in relevant subject
• Proven experience of Phase 1 habitat, NVC and botanical surveys
• Membership of or working towards full membership of appropriate professional institution
• Evidence of published work in ecology field

Training

Our Graduate Development Programme (GDP), along with our huge scope of projects across the globe, will challenge and inspire you to make a real difference to the world we live in. Our GDP forms a core part of our business strategy globally, designed to develop the best talent across numerous disciplines to lead our business into the future. We have over 750 graduates on our programmes across the UK & Ireland, from over 40 different disciplines, each and every one of them making a tangible difference to the environment we all live and work in.

We will provide you with all the tools and support you need to achieve your professional development ambitions, including Chartership with the relevant international professional institution – where we have graduates working towards over 30 professional institutions in the UK & Ireland. We will push you to achieve the highest standards and expect our graduates to pass their professional review first time. You will be assigned a mentor to support and guide your development and undertake regular training modules throughout the programme. There will be on-the-job technical development and classroom training where required, and the opportunity to work on live client projects, with significant multi-disciplinary exposure.

Benefits

At AECOM, we aim to reward you not only with pay, but also with a range of benefits. Key benefits available to you in the United Kingdom and Ireland include (but are not limited to):

• Bi-annual salary review while on the GDP
• 25 days' annual leave, plus all public holidays, and the opportunity to buy and sell holiday
• 2 paid corporate CSR days per year
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance, income protection (permanent staff only)
• Flexible benefits such as childcare vouchers and gym membership discount
• Pension scheme that also gives you access to MyMoneyWorks, which is designed to help you plan for your future goals and provide guidance and information on a range of financial products.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), which offers access to advice on a wide range of topics, such as financial problems, legal matters, medical concerns and many other issues that can cause you concern or worry — available completely free of charge.
• Eye care vouchers
• 15 days' paid leave per annum for formally signed up reservists (AECOM is recognised as a Gold Employer by the Ministry of Defence for our work with the Armed Forces Covenant).

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