Ecologist​/Senior​/Principal specialism in ornithology

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.

Join Jacobs’ UK Ecology Team as an Ecologist and become part of a dynamic, forward‑thinking organisation that’s making a real impact—locally and globally.

We’re hiring nationwide, with opportunities available in our offices across Bristol, Birmingham, 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.

We have an exciting opportunity for an ecologist with a special interest in ornithology to join our award‑winning ecology team across the UK.

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 over 200 ecologists in the UK & Ireland, and 600+ globally
• 🌱 A culture of collaboration and sustainability – work on projects that matter

Whether you're looking to lead groundbreaking ecological assessments 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.

The role will include

• Delivering some of the most challenging, diverse and innovative projects. Presently, we are engaged across a range of sectors and projects including transport, water and energy for local, regional and national clients including government agencies, local authorities, utilities and energy companies
• Working in multidisciplinary teams – quickly building rapport and trust to ensure that ornithological requirements are recognised, acknowledged and constraints acted upon
• Using your experience in ornithology – to lead ornithological surveys, provide expert advice to clients (internal and external). In periods with limited ornithological workload, you will also support and contribute to a wide range of other ecological surveys, assessments, and project tasks as required
• Leveraging your experience of national legislation – to support Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats Regulation Appraisals etc
• A combination desk and site‑based tasks – you will need a willingness to work across the UK and at times, stay away from home during the working week

Here’s what you’ll need

• A background in terrestrial ecology with relevant industry experience including technical reporting and impact assessment in cognisance of national legislation and guidance.
• Good bird identification skills, with an understanding of bird ecology and a range of generic and species‑specific bird survey techniques
• Scoping and execution of field surveys and data analysis
• Associate membership of a professional body (or experience to obtain membership), with applications also welcomed from candidates holding full membership or chartership
• Inquisitiveness and willingness to learn
• High level of personal responsibility
• Ability to write clear and concise reports

• Current and full driving licence
• Another ecological specialism as well as Ornithology

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  aim to embed inclusion and diversity in everything we do.

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