Senior​/Principal ecologist specialism in ornithology

Senior/Principal ecologist with specialism in ornithology We have an exciting opportunity for a senior/principal ecologist with a special interest in ornithology to join our award-winning ecology team across the UK.

The successful individuals will join a respected and ambitious company with excellent career prospects both locally and internationally. We actively support the professional development of staff, through our Global Career Framework, Chartership Academy Programme, Employee Networks and our Community of Practice networks, which connect us to over 200 Jacobs ecologists in the UK and Ireland, and over 600 globally. You will work with hydrologists, geomorphologists, engineers, planner and project managers to provide support and advice to our clients.

You will ensure ecology input is considered by project teams, work as a first point of contact and, with the support of the wider team, provide high quality technical advice.

This is more than a step up - it's a career-defining leadership role.

• Global reach - collaborate with 600+ ecologists worldwide and tap into unmatched expertise
• Clear progression - structured development through our Global Career Framework & Chartership Academy
• Build your legacy - lead, grow and shape a team in your own vision
• Influence major projects - work with clients like Environment Agency, National Grid, Network Rail & National Highways
• Win and shape future work - play a key role in bidding, strategy and growth
• Be recognised as a leader - represent Jacobs through client engagement, industry presence and thought leadership

You'll be trusted to lead, supported to grow, and empowered to make a genuine 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

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. 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

Full membership of a professional body (or experience to obtain membership), with applications also welcomed from candidates holding 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 at Jacobs.

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