Job Roles and Responsibilities

(Non-contractual. This section describes the typical scope of each consultancy grade. Your own duties are defined by your contract of employment and may be varied by the company as set out there; the qualifications and experience shown are indicative guides, not rigid entry requirements.)

ACT Acoustics works to four consultancy grades, forming a single career path:

Acoustics Technician → Associate Acoustic Consultant → Senior Acoustic Consultant → Principal Acoustic Consultant

Reporting runs up this chain to the Director. Where a grade is not currently filled, you report to the next most senior role in post. Progression between grades is based on demonstrated competence and the relevant qualifications, not time served alone.

Principal Acoustic Consultant

Purpose. The senior technical authority in the consultancy. Takes overall responsibility for the quality and direction of our most complex and high-value work, represents ACT as an expert, and develops both the team and the business.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and sign off complex or high-value projects across environmental noise, sound insulation, vibration, and planning support.
• Act as expert witness and represent ACT at planning inquiries, appeals, and hearings.
• Provide final technical review and quality assurance on work across the team, and own our methodologies and standards compliance.
• Win and develop work: lead client relationships, scope and price proposals, and drive business development.
• Line-manage, mentor, and set standards for Senior and Associate Consultants and Technicians.
• Manage the programme, resourcing, and commercial performance of their projects.

Typical qualifications and experience. Degree in acoustics, physics, engineering, or a related discipline; IOA Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control; corporate IOA membership (MIOA), working towards or holding Fellowship (FIOA) or chartered status; typically eight or more years’ relevant experience with a recognised specialism.

Reporting and supervision. Reports to the Director. Line-manages Senior and Associate Acoustic Consultants and Acoustics Technicians.

Progression. Reached from Senior Acoustic Consultant on demonstrating sustained technical authority, expert-witness capability, business development, and leadership of staff. Further progression is into technical directorship.

Senior Acoustic Consultant

Purpose. Runs projects end to end with little supervision and forms the technical backbone of delivery, while supporting business development and mentoring junior staff.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage and deliver projects independently — assessment design, fieldwork planning, modelling, and reporting.
• Review and quality-assure the work of Associate Consultants and Technicians.
• Lead client liaison on their projects and contribute to proposals and fee estimates.
• Undertake complex measurements and noise and vibration modelling, and interpret the relevant standards and guidance.
• Mentor Associates and Technicians and support their training.
• Deputise for the Principal on aspects of project delivery.

Typical qualifications and experience. Degree in a relevant discipline; IOA Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control; corporate IOA membership (MIOA); typically four to eight years’ relevant experience.

Reporting and supervision. Reports to a Principal Acoustic Consultant. Supervises Associate Acoustic Consultants and Technicians on their projects.

Progression. Reached from Associate Acoustic Consultant on demonstrating independent project delivery and confident client management.

Associate Acoustic Consultant

Purpose. Contributes to a diverse range of projects, working closely with clients to deliver high-quality, pragmatic advice, and develops toward fully independent project delivery.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct noise impact assessments for proposed developments, transportation projects, and industrial installations.
• Perform acoustic measurements using specialised equipment and analyse the data to evaluate noise levels and sources.
• Provide advice on architectural acoustics, building design, and noise control strategies.
• Collaborate with project teams to integrate acoustic considerations into designs and infrastructure projects.
• Prepare detailed technical reports summarising findings, recommendations, and mitigation strategies.
• Engage with clients to understand requirements, present solutions, and address concerns.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to deliver on time.
• Support business development — client meetings, proposals, and presentations — when needed.
• Look after company equipment and keep instruments calibrated, and follow the Company’s health and safety and data-protection requirements (see Health & Safety, Equipment & IT, and Data Protection).
• Maintain your continuing professional development (see Professional Development).
• Stay abreast of industry trends, standards, and regulations related to acoustics.

Typical qualifications and experience. Degree in acoustics, physics, engineering, or a related discipline; holding or working towards the IOA Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control; IOA membership (AMIOA or MIOA); typically one to four years’ relevant experience.

Skills. Competent in acoustic measurement and instrumentation, data analysis, and noise modelling; clear technical writing; confident client communication; well-organised, with the ability to manage your own workload.

Place of work and hours. Home-based, with regular travel to client and construction sites across the Company’s operating area (the South West of England). Hours are as set out in your contract of employment.

Reporting and supervision. Reports to a Senior Acoustic Consultant. May direct an Acoustics Technician’s work on their projects.

Essential requirements. The role depends on reliable, timely attendance and the capacity to deliver the expected workload. In particular: you must be able to attend client sites and carry out fieldwork across the operating area within reasonable travel time, and be available for site work on agreed working days; able to carry out the role’s normal volume of site visits, surveys, and reporting within contracted hours and to deliver that work reasonably promptly; and hold a full, valid UK driving licence.

Progression. Reached from Acoustics Technician on gaining experience and completing relevant qualifications; progresses to Senior Acoustic Consultant as above.

Acoustics Technician

Purpose. Provides field and technical support to the consultancy team, carrying out measurements, instrument handling, and data processing under supervision.

Key responsibilities:

• Deploy, calibrate, and collect sound and vibration monitoring equipment on site.
• Carry out attended measurements and surveys following method statements.
• Download, process, and quality-check measurement data.
• Maintain and store instruments, arrange calibration when due, and keep the equipment register up to date.
• Prepare figures, basic calculations, and draft sections of reports under direction.
• Support fieldwork logistics and site safety.

Typical qualifications and experience. A relevant technical or scientific background; the IOA Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement, held or working towards; a full UK driving licence for site travel. Competence is developed largely on the job.

Reporting and supervision. Reports to an Associate or Senior Acoustic Consultant. Works under supervision.

Progression. Progresses to Associate Acoustic Consultant on gaining experience and completing relevant qualifications, such as the IOA Diploma.