Principal Ecologist wide

Overview

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At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

We’re hiring nationwide, with opportunities available in our offices across Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Peterborough and Reading. Wherever you’re based, you’ll find a welcoming team and exciting projects waiting for you.

At Jacobs, we don’t just offer jobs—we build careers. You’ll be joining a respected and ambitious company with a strong reputation for excellence and innovation. Our commitment to your growth is backed by:

• 🌍 Global Career Framework – chart your path with clarity and purpose
• 🎓 Chartership Academy Programme – support to achieve professional accreditation
• 🌍 Employee Networks & Communities of Practice – connect with ecologists in the UK & Ireland, and globally
• 🌱 A culture of collaboration and sustainability – work on projects that matter

Whether you're looking to lead groundbreaking ecological assessments, mentor junior colleagues, or contribute to shaping environmental policy, Jacobs provides the platform to thrive.

Positions are available on a permanent full-time and part-time, job share or flexible basis.

• Delivering major infrastructure projects across water, transport, and energy sectors for clients like Anglian Water, National Highways, Network Rail, and more
• Applying your expertise in Environmental Impact Assessment, Habitats Regulations Assessment, and/or Biodiversity Net Gain
• Collaborating across disciplines, ensuring ecological requirements are integrated into project design and delivery
• Leading ecological monitoring programmes, managing surveys and ensuring high-quality data collection
• Providing expert advice, acting as the main point of contact for clients and stakeholders on large-scale projects
• Building cross-functional networks, working with specialists across geographies and cultures to develop effective solutions
• Mentoring and learning, sharing knowledge through global communities of practice, conferences, and training events

• Strong background in terrestrial ecology with significant industry experience
• Chartered membership (or eligibility) of a relevant professional body
• Proven track record in leading ecological input on large-scale projects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with sharp attention to detail
• High level of personal accountability and professionalism
• A technical specialism in terrestrial ecology—or broad experience with the ability to adapt quickly to new area

Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and diversity. We put people at the heart of our business and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees. Find out more about life at Jacobs.

We aim to embed inclusion and diversity in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected, and if we are diverse, we’re more creative. We accept people for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, mental health, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave.

This is reflected in our wide range of Global Employee Networks centred on inclusion and diversity – ACE, Careers, Enlace, Harambee, One World, Prism, Women and Vetnet. Find out more about our employee networks here.

Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain diverse talent. For greater online accessibility please visit  to view and access our roles. As a Disability Confident employer, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking…