Graduate Ecologist

Role overview

AECOM is looking for a Graduate Ecologist to join its Dublin office from June 2026. This is an opportunity to build practical experience within an established consultancy while supporting a growing ecology team in Ireland.

About the team

Ecology sits within AECOM’s Environment business, which provides environmental management support for feasibility studies, impact assessment, operational compliance, remediation, restoration, and the reuse of affected land. The team includes more than 160 ecologists and contributes to biodiversity-focused work across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine settings.

The ecology team works with architects, engineers, planners, economists, and other environmental specialists on projects across sectors such as power, utilities, development, government, manufacturing, oil and gas, and transportation. Most assignments are in Ireland and the UK, with possible opportunities in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Typical ecological services include habitat and species surveys, impact assessment, biodiversity mitigation advice, offsetting and enhancement, and biodiversity management planning.

What the role involves

You will join a multidisciplinary team and support a range of field surveys, including preliminary ecological appraisal, Phase 1 habitat surveys, botanical surveys, ecological impact assessment, and protected species surveys.

Some assignments may involve staying away from home and working at night when required for surveys.

The role also calls for strong organisation, research, and planning ability to help maintain safe working practices and high technical standards.

You should be comfortable working with different taxonomic groups and willing to develop your own areas of interest.

Training and development

New graduates are paired with a senior team member who provides mentoring and guidance during the early stage of live project work and business development activity. The role includes training in technical capability, health and safety, project management, and business systems.

You will join a structured two-year graduate ADVANCE programme with instructor-led learning, interactive sessions, AECOM University online content, and webinar-based learning. The programme is designed to support professional growth and may contribute toward Chartership with the relevant international professional body.

The intended professional pathway for this role is the Chartered Institute for Ecologists and Environmental Managers (CIEEM).

Requirements

Applicants should hold a 2:1 degree or above, or an equivalent qualification, in Ecology or a subject with an ecological component. Relevant disciplines include 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, and Biological Science.

Other important requirements include a strong interest in Irish wildlife, knowledge of Irish plant and animal identification including direct and indirect field signs, excellent field skills, the ability to capture data accurately and systematically, and solid Microsoft Office skills, especially Word and Excel.

You should also bring strong numeracy, good verbal and written communication, confidence when dealing with clients, colleagues, stakeholders, and subcontractors, strong organisation and attention to detail, and the ability to prioritise work effectively with the wider team.

The role suits someone who is self-motivated, enthusiastic, hardworking, ambitious, and driven, with strong research and report-writing ability. You must be able to work independently and as part of a team, stay focused under pressure, adapt to changing project needs, and remain committed to ongoing learning and improvement.

You should be willing and able to travel to other locations for company business. A full driving licence would be helpful because site surveys may involve equipment transport and locations with limited public transport access.

Prior experience in ecology, including volunteering, placements, NGO work, or consultancy experience, would be an advantage. A sound understanding of Irish environmental law and planning systems is also beneficial.

Preferred qualifications and experience include a postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, experience with Phase 1 habitat surveys, UKHab surveys, Fossitt habitat, IVC, and botanical surveys, progress toward protected species licences such as bat or smooth newt licences, membership of or progress toward membership in a relevant professional institution, and evidence of published ecology work.

Eligibility

This role is open to candidates with the right to work permanently in Ireland. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged, including people with disabilities and neurodiverse applicants. Reasonable accommodation is available during the application process for candidates who need it.

Additional information

Applications should be submitted as early as possible because CVs will be reviewed on a rolling basis and candidates may be selected for an earlier start offer.

A covering letter is required, along with predicted and/or achieved academic grades.

All new hires must complete an in-person Day 1 onboarding session at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

AECOM also operates a disability interview scheme for applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria and have a disability or long-term condition.

About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm offering services across advisory, planning, design, engineering, program management, and construction management. Its work spans transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and environmental projects, with a focus on delivering sustainable outcomes through technical expertise, digital capability, and a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and ESG priorities.

The company offers flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options, along with compensation, benefits, and wellbeing programmes designed to support employees and their families.