Graduate Environmental Planner - SEA - Bristol

About AECOM

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.com and @AECOM.

AECOM’s Environment and Sustainability business unit has technical practice groups delivering environmental planning, ecological management, cultural resources/ heritage management, marine environmental management, resilience, and climate change (RACC), sustainability services, social performance & human rights, and strategic communications and public consultation.

AECOM is looking to recruit a Graduate Environmental Planner within the Impact Assessment team based from our Bristol office.

We have a significant portfolio of current and future Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Sustainability Appraisal (SA) projects at different levels of planning and in various sectors. We work with both public and private sector clients to ensure that the legislative requirements are met and that the SA/SEA process informs and adds value to decision-making. Example clients include Liverpool City Council, Sheffield City Council, Portsmouth City Council, Cornwall Council, South Somerset Council, South Downs National Park, and a range of Essex Local Planning Authorities (e.g. Uttlesford, Southend-on-Sea, Rochford).

You will be expected to work closely with policy planners across the business and engage with a range of stakeholders to support high-quality plan-making. Our work includes sub-regional, local and neighborhood planning.

The successful candidate will report to a Principal Consultant and will be expected to work on a range of projects; handling and being accountable for several tasks simultaneously. The role will require an understanding of the planning system in England, excellent team working and communication skills, the capacity to write clear logical reports and the ability to deliver to deadlines.

About You

Our continued success depends on you – the next generation of specialists who will help steer the world towards a better future for communities and the environment, though collaboration, expert knowledge and daring to think differently.

The successful candidate will report to a Principal Consultant and will be expected to work on a range of projects; handling and being accountable for several tasks simultaneously.

The role will require an understanding of the planning system in England, excellent team working and communication skills, the capacity to write clear logical reports and the ability to deliver to deadlines.

Job Responsibilities 

When you start with AECOM, we will pair you with a senior member of the team who will guide and mentor you through your initial period of working on live projects and business development proposals.

The successful candidate will be expected to undertake the following illustrative roles and responsibilities:

• Assist in the delivery of SA/SEAs to ensure projects are delivered on time and to the highest standard
• Prioritise project actions and meet commitments on an on-going basis while taking ownership and responsibility for the quality and completion of work
• Analyse both qualitative and quantitative data effectively and carry out desk-based studies and site visits as required
• Keep up to date with SA/SEA, planning policy and legislation, planning reform, and other relevant legislation, case law, policy and guidance
• Understand and implement project management principles and fully appreciate the need to work within project budgets
• Work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary and wider team to ensure the smooth running of projects
• Communicate effectively with their line manager, project managers, clients, project teams and other members of the team by telephone, e-mail, and reports and through Microsoft Teams
• Participate in team meetings, client briefs and other meetings as and when required
• Support business development through preparing Expressions of Interest and tender submissions and working to continuously improve our service offer to clients
• Assist in marketing activities related to social sustainability services and proactively promote social sustainability best practice and innovation across our business

Training

Our Graduate Development Programme (ADVANCE), 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 programmes form 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 more than 1,000 graduates on our programmes across the UK and Europe from more than 30 different disciplines – and each and every one of them makes 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 professional institution. We demand 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 progress and on-the-job training will be provided with the opportunity to work on live projects.

Minimum Requirements

• The successful candidate will have obtained a bachelor’s degree and hold at least a master’s level qualification in an environmental or planning-related discipline (e.g. environmental policy, environmental assessment/ management, sustainability, planning, human geography) or have equivalent work experience.
• Appropriate professional membership
• Knowledge of the English planning system, with an interest in Local Plan making and Neighbourhood Planning.
• Professional, organised and thorough approach to work which demonstrates an attention to detail to get things right the first time.
• Ability to manage own time and comfortable working both within a team or independently to tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and capacity to work as part of an integrated and multidisciplinary team.
• Client focused team player with a positive attitude.
• Previous experience of working in a consultancy or similar environment would be beneficial.
• Experience of undertaking SA/SEA in practice would be beneficial.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of other forms of impact assessment (e.g. environmental, social and health) would be beneficial.
• A full and clean driving licence is beneficial for site work.

What We Offer

When you join AECOM, you become part of a company that is pioneering the future. Our teams around the world are involved in some of the most cutting-edge and innovative projects and programs of our time, addressing the big challenges of today and shaping the built environment for generations to come. We ensure a workplace that encourages growth, flexibility and creativity, as well as a company culture that champions inclusion, diversity and overall employee well-being through programs supported by company leadership. Our core values define who we are, how we act and what we aspire to, which comes down to not only delivering a better world, but working to “make amazing happen” in each neighborhood, community and city we touch. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.