Principal Ecologist​/Associate Director - Ecology upon Tyne

Principal Ecologist /Associate Director - Ecology Newcastle upon Tyne This is your opportunity to help lead, shape and grow one of the UK's most ambitious ecology teams, and leave a lasting mark on the future of sustainable infrastructure

You won't just be delivering projects. You'll take on leadership of our growing team in Newcastle, with 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 the North-East of England, 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.

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

Lead on a global stage - connect with 600+ ecologists worldwide and 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.

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 an experienced and driven Principal Ecologist or Associate Director to join our Newcastle 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 Northumbrian Water, Local Authorities, Environment Agency, National Grid, Network Rail & National Highways, 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 survey strategies

Work across disciplines to deliver integrated, innovative project solutions

Play a key role in identifying, bidding and winning new work

Champion your team internally, raising its profile across the wider business

This is a rare opportunity to step into a role where you can combine technical excellence, strategic thinking and people leadership - all while working on projects that truly matter. A strong background in terrestrial ecology with significant industry experience

Chartered status (or ready to achieve it)

A strategic mindset, with the ability to contribute to senior leadership decisions

Proven experience in line management, mentoring and developing teams

Strong client-facing skills and confidence engaging with stakeholders and regulators

A flexible approach, with willingness to travel across the UK and Ireland when needed

A proactive, hands-on leadership style with strong self-awareness

The ability to adapt and thrive across diverse, complex projects

You're an experienced ecology leader who brings both credibility and vision.

We'd be especially excited if you bring experience in:

Innovative scoping of ecological inputs

Protected species…