Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Senior Marine Ecologist to join our Environment team in AECOM Bahrain’s Office.

The role will involve leading and delivering marine EIAs and technical advisory services for coastal and offshore development projects, including marine environmental surveys. You’ll apply your strong academic background in marine biology to deliver practical, client-focused solutions, ensuring regulatory compliance and promoting sustainable marine management.

This role offers the opportunity to combine scientific expertise with technical leadership and delivery, driving coastal and marine ecosystem resilience in one of the world’s most dynamic marine environments.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Leadership: Lead project team in delivering coastal and marine projects across a range of sectors, including ports, coastal utilities, reclamation, dredging, subsea infrastructure and coastal resilience projects.
• Project delivery: Scope, plan and deliver multidisciplinary marine environmental environmental assessments and monitoring projects on time and within budget; manage risk and schedule.
• Technical delivery: Lead all technical aspects of marine EIA delivery, including client and subconsultant engagement, whilst ensuring regulatory compliance and high-quality outputs, including the preparation of high-quality deliverables (e.g. EIAs, ESIAs, EMPs, EMMPs and DMMPs).
• Agency coordination: Engage with local regulatory bodies and stakeholders, or regional equivalents, as required.
• Baseline and monitoring surveys: Design, plan and execute marine environmental surveys to identify and assess the status of benthic habitats and associated fauna and flora, fisheries, marine megafauna, seabirds, and water and sediment quality.
• Business development: Lead proposals, including technical approaches. Strengthen client relationships and expand marine ecology-related market opportunities.
• Cross-disciplinary coordination: Integrate marine ecological insights with a strong theoretical understanding of coastal modelling and marine engineering disciplines, including ports, coastal utilities (e.g. ROPs and WWTPs), reclamation, dredging, subsea infrastructure and coastal resilience.
• Nature-based solutions: Advance ecological restoration approaches such as living shorelines, reef, seagrass and mangrove restoration, and climate resilience strategies for coastal and marine habitats.
• Mentorship: Mentor junior scientists, review technical contributions and foster professional growth.
• Safety culture: Promote strong safety practices for vessel operations, diving and working in remote marine environments.

Person Specification (Personality Attributes)

We are seeking a Senior Marine Ecologist with the personal qualities to lead and inspire.

The ideal candidate will bring a resilient mindset and a high level of commitment, ensuring projects are delivered to the highest technical standard achievable with reliability and focus. They will demonstrate a confident yet approachable leadership presence, fostering a collaborative spirit across multidisciplinary teams. Adaptability is key, as changing circumstances demand flexibility, while a practical problem-solving orientation keeps work moving forward.

Strong communication skills and a clear sense of integrity underpin their approach, alongside curiosity and innovation that drive fresh ideas. Calm under pressure, they bring steady judgment and sound decision-making to every challenge.

• BSc (Hons.) in Marine Biology or closely-related discipline; MSc and/or PhD much preferred.
• Minimum PADI ‘Rescue Diver’ or UK HSE ‘SCUBA’ diving qualification and 2+ years of professional scientific diving experience.
• Possession of a valid driving license.

Specific skills required

• 8+ years of marine environmental consultancy experience in the field of EIA and Permitting. Proven track record in leading and delivering multidisciplinary EIAs, ESIAs and permitting for environmental projects across a range of marine sectors.
• Familiarity and proven experience with local and regional environmental regulatory framework(s) preferred.
• Familiarity and experience with lenders’ requirements, for example, IFC Environmental and Social Performance Standards (notably PS6 - Biodiversity and Sustainability) preferred.

• Very strong technical writing skills for reporting and permit-related documentation; highly adept at stakeholder engagement and agency coordination.
• Competent in the planning and delivery of field surveys, including underwater remote video (DDV, ROV, BRUVS), SCUBA diver-based survey techniques, water and sediment sampling, and benthic infauna and plankton sample collection.
• Familiarity and basic aptitude with GIS (ArcGIS, QGIS) and PRIMER statistical software would be an asset.
• Sound knowledge in the use and application of AI in the field of environmental assessment and project delivery would be an asset.

Authorised to work in Bahrain and previous registration with SCE preferred.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.