At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological assessments and mentor junior colleagues on impactful projects.
- Company: Join Jacobs, a forward-thinking organisation making a global impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic culture focused on inclusion, collaboration, and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in ecology while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong background in terrestrial ecology and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Are you ready to take your ecological career to the next level? Join Jacobs' UK Ecology Team as a Principal 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 Birmingham, Bristol, 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.
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, mentor junior colleagues, 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 major infrastructure projects across water, transport, and energy sectors for clients like Anglian Water, National Highways, Network Rail, and more
- Applying your expertise in Environmental Impact Assessment, Habitats Regulations Assessment, and/or Biodiversity Net Gain
- Collaborating across disciplines, ensuring ecological requirements are integrated into project design and delivery
- Leading ecological monitoring programmes, managing surveys and ensuring high-quality data collection
- Providing expert advice, acting as the main point of contact for clients and stakeholders on large-scale projects
- Building cross-functional networks, working with specialists across geographies and cultures to develop effective solutions
- Mentoring and learning, sharing knowledge through global communities of practice, conferences, and training events
We offer different career pathways to suit your strengths - whether you're motivated by line management responsibilities or prefer to focus on technical expertise, progression is supported in both routes, with management being an option rather than a requirement.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Strong background in terrestrial ecology with significant industry experience
- Chartered membership (or eligibility) of a relevant professional body
- Proven track record in leading ecological input on large-scale projects
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with sharp attention to detail
- High level of personal accountability and professionalism
- A technical specialism in terrestrial ecology - or broad experience with the ability to adapt quickly to new areas
Our Culture
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.
We aim to embed inclusion and diversity in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we're more connected, and if we are diverse, we're more creative. We accept people for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, mental health, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you're pregnant or on family leave.
Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain diverse talent. As a Disability Confident employer, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.
Our Benefits
In addition to the benefits you'd expect, UK employees also receive:
- up to 10% company contribution into their pension
- reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships
- support to their local communities through our Collectively program which incorporates matched-funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations
- opportunity to buy/sell annual leave
- Wellbeing support and resources
- free employee medical cover and digital GP service
- a mindfulness platform
- dedicated Workplace Support 1:1 Counselling Consultations
- confidential information & counselling service provided by Optum
- online demand fitness platform provided by Daily Burn
- personalised financial planning and support provided by Origin
- enhanced parental leave pay
- fertility healthcare and family-forming benefit provided by Carrot
- a free parental success solution and neurodiversity training benefit provided by RethinkCare Family
- Bridge the Gap parental transition programme
- hybrid working
- part-time roles
- flexible working hours including compressed hours
- annualised hours contract
Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. 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.
Principal Ecologist (UK wide) in London employer: isepglobal
Jacobs is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, allowing you to thrive as a Principal Ecologist in the vibrant cities of Glasgow or Edinburgh. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities while contributing to impactful environmental projects across Scotland and beyond. The hybrid working model offers flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance as you lead a dedicated team in shaping ecological strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist (UK wide) in London
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like isepglobal.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like isepglobal and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist (UK wide) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at isepglobal.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. isepglobal will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Principal Ecologist (UK wide) at isepglobal. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at isepglobal
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at isepglobal, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show isepglobal that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
