Senior Ecologist Cork​/Dublin

At Jacobs, we challenge to reinvent tomorrow by solving critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing.

As part of a collaborative team, you will deliver complex, high‑profile projects and provide expert ecological input that balances development, biodiversity and environmental stewardship. You will support and mentor junior team members, build client relationships and drive high standards of technical excellence.

• Global reach – collaboration with ecologists worldwide.
• Clear progression – structured development through our Global Career Framework & Chartership Academy.
• Technical excellence – broaden expertise across sectors while supporting early‑career ecologists.
• Influence major projects – work across water, transport and energy infrastructure.
• Champion biodiversity – shape solutions that balance development with nature recovery.
• Build professional profile – develop client relationships and contribute to thought leadership.

Senior Ecologist to join our Irish team, leading transformative infrastructure projects such as the Rail Infrastructure Protection Project and underground electricity cable schemes.

• Lead delivery of high‑profile, complex infrastructure projects across water, transport and energy.
• Balance site and desk‑based ecological work, including surveys, assessments and project planning.
• Apply expertise in habitat and protected species surveys, ECoW, EIAs, AAs and Biodiversity Net Gain/No Net Loss.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and ensure ecological considerations are integrated.
• Design and lead ecological monitoring programmes, manage survey teams and ensure high‑quality field data.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients and stakeholders, communicating expert advice.
• Mentor and develop team capability, engage with global communities, conferences and training events.

• Background in terrestrial ecology with significant industry experience.
• Proven experience delivering ecological surveys, impact assessments, biodiversity management planning and reporting in Ireland/UK.
• Strong knowledge of Irish and EU environmental legislation.
• Full membership of a professional body (or path to full membership).
• Experience managing medium‑large scale projects.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• High personal responsibility.
• Client‑facing report writing skills.
• Ability to manage site work independently and work within multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel for fieldwork.

• Experience on infrastructure, energy, water or transport projects.
• GIS skills (ArcGIS/QGIS) and data analysis experience.
• Habitat identification skills using the Fossitt Guide to Habitats in Ireland or equivalent.
• Experience leading ornithological and/or bat surveys.
• Full clean driver’s licence.

• Competitive package and up to 8% pension contribution.
• Life assurance, income protection and professional development support.
• Flexible working: hybrid, part‑time, compressed hours, annualised hours contract.
• Well‑being support: medical cover, mindfulness platform, counselling.
• Family support: enhanced parental leave pay, fertility and family‑forming benefits.

We are a disability confident employer and embrace a diverse workforce. Applications from candidates seeking flexible working or who may not meet all listed requirements are welcomed.