Application Guide
How to Apply for BNG Consultant
at AECOM
🏢 About AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm committed to delivering sustainable legacies through innovative environmental solutions. Working here means contributing to high-impact projects that shape communities while advancing biodiversity net gain (BNG) goals across the UK. The company's collaborative culture and focus on technical excellence make it an ideal place for consultants passionate about ecological outcomes.
About This Role
As a BNG Consultant, you'll lead biodiversity net gain assessments for a variety of infrastructure and development projects, ensuring compliance with UK legislation and planning policy. Your work directly influences habitat creation and restoration, supporting AECOM's mission to build sustainable legacies. This role offers the chance to shape BNG strategies, influence client decisions, and contribute to national conservation targets.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a client call to discuss BNG requirements for a new infrastructure project, followed by analyzing habitat data using GIS and the Biodiversity Metric. After lunch, you could draft a Habitat Management Plan or review a colleague's BNG report, then contribute to a tender proposal by outlining the BNG approach. The day often ends with updating project trackers and planning site visits for the next week.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For
- Proven experience delivering BNG assessments using tools like the Statutory Biodiversity Metric or Natural England's BNG calculator.
- Strong technical writing skills with a portfolio of BNG feasibility reports, Habitat Management Plans, or Welsh NBB assessments.
- Excellent communication skills to engage with clients, planners, and ecologists, translating complex BNG concepts into actionable advice.
- In-depth knowledge of UK biodiversity legislation (e.g., Environment Act 2021, NPPF) and local planning policies for BNG delivery.
📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM
Tailor your CV to highlight specific BNG projects, including the metric version used and the net gain percentage achieved.
In your cover letter, mention familiarity with AECOM's published BNG case studies or their 'Sustainable Legacies' framework.
Quantify your impact: e.g., 'Delivered BNG assessments for 5+ infrastructure projects, achieving an average 15% net gain.'
Showcase any experience with Welsh NBB assessments or Habitat Management Plans, as these are explicitly mentioned in the job description.
Prepare a 1-page summary of a recent BNG project you led, including challenges and outcomes, to attach as a portfolio sample.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your hands-on experience with BNG assessments and report production, citing specific tools and legislation.', 'Demonstrate your ability to manage client relationships and stakeholder consultations, highlighting a successful engagement example.', "Align your values with AECOM's commitment to sustainability and legacy-building, referencing their company ethos.", 'Show enthusiasm for contributing to bids and tenders, mentioning any experience in business development or proposal writing.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review AECOM's recent BNG projects and case studies on their website, especially those in the UK infrastructure sector.
- → Understand AECOM's 'Sustainable Legacies' framework and how BNG fits into their broader environmental strategy.
- → Familiarize yourself with the UK Environment Act 2021's mandatory BNG requirements and local variations (e.g., Welsh NBB).
- → Check AECOM's thought leadership articles or webinars on BNG to understand their approach and terminology.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic CV without specific BNG metrics or project examples – this role demands quantifiable BNG experience.
- Overlooking the Welsh NBB aspect – if you lack experience, acknowledge it but express willingness to learn.
- Failing to mention bid/tender experience – the job description explicitly includes input into bids, so address it even briefly.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!