Environmental Economist ( Associate Director/ Principal/ Senior) in Edinburgh - AECOM

Job Summary
AECOM is a leading environmental and engineering consultancy operating worldwide.

As an environmental economist / natural capital specialist within AECOM you will have the opportunity to work on some of the highest profile natural capital-related projects in the UK, working with colleagues operating at the cutting edge of their disciplines as part of the UK’s largest environmental consultancy. We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of efforts to address the key issues facing society, including decarbonising infrastructure and achieving net zero, reversing the decline in biodiversity, and promoting community wellbeing.

We’re looking for an experienced environmental economist / natural capital specialist with the passion and skills to help steer the world towards a better future for communities and the environment, through collaboration, expert knowledge and daring to think differently. You’ll be committed to tackling environmental and sustainability challenges using techniques that help our clients to better account for the value of nature in their decision-making. You will have good knowledge of environment and sustainability legislation, policy, guidance, and best practice particularly in relation to economic valuation, natural capital, ecosystem services, biodiversity, nature-based solutions and environmental net gain.

As a member of our industry-leading Natural Capital team (NB we are looking to recruit at a range of grades from Senior Consultant to Associate Director) you’ll be involved in developing the approach to, and delivering projects for public, private and third sector organisations both in the UK and internationally across a range of sectors including water, agriculture, energy, extractives, forestry and transport and water. The team works across all aspects of the natural capital agenda including natural capital accounting and assessment, biodiversity and environmental net gain analysis, and markets and payments for ecosystem services.

You’ll get to employ your creativity to develop ideas and solutions to deliver effective environmental and sustainability outcomes and improved project performance. You’ll also have the opportunity chance to get involved in our Natural Capital Laboratory – an area of wilderness in the Scottish Highlands which we’re rewilding and at which we are trialling new technologies and techniques for collecting, analysing and communicating information on environmental change.

You will be joining a supportive, dynamic and growing team of environmental economists and natural capital specialists within the UK whilst also developing our capabilities with global AECOM colleagues. Your workload will be diverse and intellectually stimulating and you will be given the opportunity to make the most of your abilities. Whether your passion is supporting others, managing projects, developing our innovation in natural capital, people management or business development we can look to tailor a role to suit your skill set.

AECOM’s Freedom to Grow policy offers flexibility in how, where and when you work . For the right candidate we would be happy to discuss the flexibility you would like in your career. We would very happy to consider those looking to work part time. As a national team, we are flexible in terms of base office location and successful candidates could choose amongst several office bases including Bristol, Edinburgh and London.

Primary Job Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include (depending on the seniority):


Designing, managing and delivering projects and liaising directly with clients


Collating and analysing quantitative and qualitative data


Leading and contributing to business development by developing client relationships, writing proposals, leading marketing and thought leadership initiatives, and continuously improving our service offering to clients


Prioritising tasks and meeting commitments on an on-going basis and taking ownership and responsibility for the timely completion and quality of work


Leading and participating in project team meetings, client meetings and internal meetings


Reviewing technical work produced by other team members


Providing ideas and potential solutions for more effective environmental and sustainability outcomes and proactively promoting best practice and innovation across our business


Managing projects in alignment with the AECOM project management principles and making sure projects are delivered on time within budget


Keeping up to date with relevant legislation, policy, guidance and best practice relating to natural capital, ecosystem services and environmental valuation


Undertaking line management responsibilities to build up and manage more junior members of staff


Building relationships internally across teams within AECOM to expand the scope of our practice


Contribute to the development of digital solutions to deliver AECOM’s digital transformation agenda.


Minimum Requirements


Excellent numerical, analytical and economic modelling skills and the aptitude to understand and communicate complex technical information regarding natural capital


Experience in economic valuation using non-market valuation methods to support policy- and decision-making


Excellent research and report writing skills


The ability to work as part of a team and the capacity to collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues, clients and stakeholders


A willingness to work flexibly across different areas


An ability to work to deadlines, work flexibly under pressure and respond to changing project and programme demands


An ability to manage projects and people


An ability to create connections and build relationships within and outside of the business


Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to structure and prioritise the delivery of project outputs effectively while working as part of a team


An ability to think creatively and to advance innovative ideas


Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams.


Preferred Qualifications

An undergraduate and / or postgraduate degree in environmental economics or another strongly numerate subject area.