Principal Ecologist​/Associate Director - Ecology

Principal Ecologist /Associate Director - Ecology Birmingham This is your chance to lead from the front and shape the future of ecology in one of the UK's most dynamic regions.

In Birmingham, you'll play a key role within the office's leadership team - providing direction, and helping guide how major programmes are delivered across the UK.

You'll take on line-management responsibilities and support the development of a high-performing team, while influencing decisions on nationally significant energy and water infrastructure, major highway and rail schemes.

Your expertise will directly influence decisions that impact communities, environments and sustainability outcomes for decades to come.

This isn't just leadership - this is visible, meaningful impact at scale.

This is more than a step up - it's a career-defining leadership role.

Global reach - collaborate with 600+ ecologists worldwide and tap into unmatched expertise.

Clear progression - structured development through our Global Career Framework & Chartership Academy.

Build your legacy - lead, grow and shape a team in your own vision.

Influence major projects - work with clients like Environment Agency, National Grid, Network Rail & National Highways.

Win and shape future work - play a key role in bidding, strategy and growth.

Be recognised as a leader - represent Jacobs through client engagement, industry presence and thought leadership.

You'll be trusted to lead, supported to grow, and empowered to make a genuine difference.

Competitive salary:
We offer compensation that reflects your skills and experience

24 days holiday + option to buy a further 10 days

Robust Pension Contributions:
We offer enhanced pension contributions up to 10% to secure your future

Comprehensive Health Coverage:
Single medical cover and Digital GP service, with options to add your partner and family

Employee Networks:
We have a commitment to hiring a diverse workforce and supporting colleagues of different backgrounds

Family Planning Support:
Access to fertility healthcare and family planning services

Enhanced Parental Leave:
Enjoy enhanced parental leave pay and free membership to employee assistance and parental programs

4 Life assurance at 4x your salary

Income Protection:
Financial security in case of long-term illness or injury

Wellbeing Hub:
Free access to wellbeing apps like Calm and Daily Burn

Professional Development:
We cover professional membership fees and provide continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities

Community Engagement:
Participate in charity matched-funding, paid volunteering time, and charitable donations

We're looking for a Principal Ecologist or Associate Director to help lead our Birmingham ecology team - a pivotal role within our UK ecology business.

You'll combine strategic leadership, technical excellence and people development, working across an exciting portfolio of projects spanning water, transport and energy infrastructure.

• Help steer the strategic direction for the Birmingham ecology team and contribute to UK-wide leadership
• Act as the go-to expert, providing high-quality advice to clients, stakeholders and regulators
• Build strong relationships through extensive client and stakeholder engagement
• Lead and inspire colleagues through empathetic, high-impact leadership and mentoring
• Apply your technical expertise across EIA, Habitat Regulations Assessment and Biodiversity Net Gain
• Design and oversee ecological monitoring and survey programmes
• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver integrated, innovative solutions
• Play a central role in identifying, bidding and winning new work
• Promote the ecology team's capability across the wider business and externally

This is your opportunity to shape not just projects, but people, performance and the future direction of the team. A strong background in terrestrial ecology with significant industry experience

Chartered status (or on track to achieve it)

Proven experience leading ecological input on large-scale projects

A strategic mindset with the ability to influence wider business decisions

Experience in line management, mentoring and team development

A proactive, hands-on approach with strong self-awareness

The ability to adapt across diverse and complex projects

You'll be a confident, forward-thinking leader ready to take the next step

• Innovative scoping of ecological inputs
• Protected species licensing and Biodiversity Net Gain
• Project consenting and construction environments
• Stakeholder and regulator engagement
• Planning enquiries and examinations

But most importantly, you'll bring the ability to think differently, challenge the norm and continually improve how we deliver for our clients.

Because this is your chance to step into a role where you can lead a team, influence major infrastructure, and shape the future of ecology within a global organisation.

If you're ready to make your mark in Birmingham and beyond, this is the…