Principal Ecologist & Scotland Team Leader

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.

Your impact

➡️ This is your opportunity to help lead, shape and grow one of the UK’s most ambitious ecology teams, right at the heart of our Scotland practice, and leave a lasting mark on the future of sustainable infrastructure.

➡️ You won’t just be delivering projects. You’ll take on line management responsibilities and be helping set direction, influencing strategy, and building a high-performing team that plays a critical role in some of the most complex and high-profile developments across Scotland, the wider UK and Ireland.

➡️ From renewable energy and nuclear infrastructure to major transport and water programmes, your leadership will ensure ecology is at the forefront of decision-making - not an afterthought.

This is a role where your expertise, vision and leadership will be visible - and where you’ll have the platform to shape both projects and people at scale.

What’s In It For Me?

At Jacobs, this isn’t just a leadership role - it’s a career-defining move.

🌍 Lead on a global stage – connect with 600+ ecologists worldwideand influence beyond the UK

📈 Shape your career path – structured progression through our Global Career Framework & Chartership Academy

👨👩👦👦 Build and help lead a high-performing team – develop talent, mentor future leaders, and create a lasting legacy

💪 Collaborate across disciplines – work with experts across water, energy and environment on complex challenges

🚀 Win and deliver exciting work – play a key role in bidding, winning and shaping major projects

💡 Be recognised as a leader – represent Jacobs through client relationships, industry events and thought leadership

You’ll be given the autonomy, support and platform to lead with confidence and make a tangible difference.

We Offer

💷 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

♿ 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

About the Opportunity

☑️ We’re looking for an experienced and driven Principal Ecologist or Associate Director to join our Scotland team and take on a pivotal leadership role within our UK ecology business.

☑️ You’ll work across an impressive portfolio of projects for clients including Transport Scotland, BEAR Scotland, Natural England, Low Carbon, Uisce Éireann and local authorities, while playing a central role in shaping the future of our ecology offering.

☑️ In this role, you will:

🌱 Help steer the strategic direction of the team, contributing to wider UK ecology leadership

🌱 Act as a trusted advisor - the go-to expert for clients, stakeholders and regulators

🌱 Lead high-value client relationships and represent Jacobs externally

🌱 Drive team growth, resilience and performance through strong, empathetic leadership

🌱 Oversee and guide EIA, Habitats Regulations Appraisal and biodiversity strategies

🌱 Design and lead ecological monitoring programmes and…