Principal Ecologist​/Associate Director - Ecology

At Jacobs, we challenge 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 are looking for a Principal Ecologist or Associate Director to help lead our London 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.

• Steer the strategic direction for the London 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 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.
• Oversee resource planning for the London and South‑East ecology teams to ensure workloads are balanced and projects are properly supported.
• Shape not just projects, but people, performance and the future direction of the team.

• Confident, forward‑thinking leader ready to take the next step.
• 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 the 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.

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

• Competitive salary reflecting your skills and experience.
• 24 days holiday, with an option to purchase a further 10 days.
• Enhanced pension contributions up to 10%.
• Comprehensive health coverage with digital GP service and optional partner/family add‑on.
• Employee networks supporting a diverse workforce.
• Family planning support, including access to fertility healthcare and family planning services.
• Enhanced parental leave and free membership to employee assistance and parental programmes.
• Life assurance at 4× your salary.
• Income protection for long‑term illness or injury.
• Wellbeing hub with free access to wellness apps.
• Professional development: coverage of membership fees and continuous professional development opportunities.
• Community engagement: charity matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.
• Hybrid working with a standard 40‑hour working week.

As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.