At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological projects and shape the future of our ecology team.
- Company: Join a leading firm with a commitment to sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, health coverage, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in ecology while working on diverse and exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Strong background in terrestrial ecology and leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
About the Opportunity
We are looking for an experienced and driven Principal Ecologist or Associate Director to join our Scotland team and take on a pivotal leadership role within our UK ecology business. You will work across an impressive portfolio of projects for clients including Transport Scotland, BEAR Scotland, Natural England, Low Carbon, Uisce Éireann and local authorities, while playing a central role in shaping the future of our ecology offering.
Roles & Responsibilities
- 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 the team internally, raising its profile across the wider business
Desired Experience & Skills
- A strong background in terrestrial ecology with significant industry experience
- Chartered status (or readiness 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
Preferred Experience
- Innovative scoping of ecological inputs
- Protected species licensing and biodiversity enhancements
- Project consenting and construction environments
- Stakeholder and regulator engagement
- Planning enquiries and examinations
Benefits
- Competitive salary aligned with skills and experience
- 24 days holiday, with an option to buy an additional 10 days
- Robust pension contributions up to 10%
- Comprehensive health coverage, including single medical cover and digital GP service, with options to add partner and family
- Employee networks supporting a diverse workforce and inclusion
- Family planning support and enhanced parental leave pay
- Income protection for long‑term illness or injury
- Well‑being hub with free access to wellbeing apps
- Professional development opportunities, including coverage of membership fees and CPD
- Community engagement through charity matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and 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.
Associate Director - Ecology employer: Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.
Join our Scotland team as an Associate Director - Ecology and be part of a forward-thinking company that prioritises employee growth and well-being. With a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and comprehensive health coverage, we foster a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Our commitment to professional development and community engagement ensures that you will not only thrive in your role but also contribute meaningfully to the environment and society.
Contact Details:
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. Recruitment Team
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We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Ecology
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We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Ecology
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✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
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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.
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