Principal Ecologist​/Associate Director - Ecology

Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom

Hybrid

Job : #40766

Principal Ecologist / Associate Director – lead the Birmingham ecology team and influence national projects.

• 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 technical expertise across Environmental Impact Assessment (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.

• 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.
• Strategic mindset with ability to influence wider business decisions.
• Experience in line management, mentoring and team development.
• Proactive, hands‑on approach with strong self‑awareness.
• Ability to adapt across diverse and complex projects.

• Scoping of ecological inputs for projects.
• Protected species licensing and Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Project consenting and construction environments.
• Stakeholder and regulator engagement.
• Planning enquiries and examinations.

• Competitive salary.
• 24 days holiday, with option to purchase an additional 10 days.
• Robust pension contributions up to 10%.
• Comprehensive health coverage and digital GP service.
• Employee networks supporting diverse workforce.
• Family planning support and enhanced parental leave.
• Income protection and free wellbeing app access.
• Professional development support and CPD opportunities.
• Community engagement: charity matched funding and paid volunteering time.

Jacobs is a disability confident employer and welcomes applications from candidates requiring flexible working or who may not meet all listed requirements.