At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Birmingham ecology team and influence national projects with your expertise.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company committed to environmental sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, health coverage, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive, diverse workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on ecological projects while mentoring and inspiring others.
- Qualifications: Strong background in terrestrial ecology and proven leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
About the Position
Principal Ecologist / Associate Director – lead the Birmingham ecology team and influence national projects.
Responsibilities
- Help steer the strategic direction for the Birmingham ecology team and contribute to UK-wide leadership.
- Act as the go‑to expert, providing high‑quality advice to clients, stakeholders and regulators.
- Build strong relationships through extensive client and stakeholder engagement.
- Lead and inspire colleagues through empathetic, high‑impact leadership and mentoring.
- Apply technical expertise across Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Habitat Regulations Assessment and Biodiversity Net Gain.
- Design and oversee ecological monitoring and survey programmes.
- Collaborate across disciplines to deliver integrated, innovative solutions.
- Play a central role in identifying, bidding and winning new work.
- Promote the ecology team’s capability across the wider business and externally.
Qualifications
- Strong background in terrestrial ecology with significant industry experience.
- Chartered status (or on track to achieve it).
- Proven experience leading ecological input on large‑scale projects.
- Strategic mindset with ability to influence wider business decisions.
- Experience in line management, mentoring and team development.
- Proactive, hands‑on approach with strong self‑awareness.
- Ability to adapt across diverse and complex projects.
Desired Experience
- Scoping of ecological inputs for projects.
- Protected species licensing and Biodiversity Net Gain.
- Project consenting and construction environments.
- Stakeholder and regulator engagement.
- Planning enquiries and examinations.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- 24 days holiday, with option to purchase an additional 10 days.
- Robust pension contributions up to 10%.
- Comprehensive health coverage and digital GP service.
- Employee networks supporting diverse workforce.
- Family planning support and enhanced parental leave.
- Income protection and free wellbeing app access.
- Professional development support and CPD opportunities.
- Community engagement: charity matched funding and paid volunteering time.
Equal Opportunities
Jacobs is a disability confident employer and welcomes applications from candidates requiring flexible working or who may not meet all listed requirements.
Principal Ecologist /Associate Director - Ecology Birmingham employer: Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.
As a leading employer in the ecological sector, our Birmingham office offers a dynamic and supportive work environment where you can thrive as a Principal Ecologist or Associate Director. With a strong emphasis on professional development, competitive benefits, and a commitment to diversity, we empower our employees to make a meaningful impact on national projects while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Join us to lead a passionate team, engage with stakeholders, and contribute to innovative ecological solutions in a vibrant city known for its rich culture and community spirit.
Contact Details:
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. Recruitment Team
