Principal Ecologist (UK wide)

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.

Your impact

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.

Role Responsibilities

• 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
• Offering 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 an option rather than a requirement

Key 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 area

Culture & Diversity

Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and diversity. We put people at the heart of our business and 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 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. For greater online accessibility please visit www.vercida.com to view and access our roles. 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. We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations.

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 local communities through our Collectively programme 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, including support for obtaining formal diagnosis for ASD, ADHD and Tourette syndrome under private medical insurance.
• A mindfulness platform.
• Dedicated Workplace Support 1:1 counselling consultations.
• Confidential information & counselling service provided by Optum.
• Emotional Wellbeing Solutions is a free confidential service available 24/7 via phone or online.
• Experienced consultants are available to discuss finance, legal, family matters and counselling can be provided for personal support.
• Online demand fitness platform provided by Daily Burn.
• Personalised financial planning and support provided by Origin, with 1:1 access to dedicated certified financial planners.
• Fertility and family benefits and support:
• Enhanced parental leave pay
• Fertility healthcare and family‑forming benefit provided by Carrot – including virtual chat with experts, educational resources, provider vetting and employer‑sponsored funds to pay for care.
• Supports understanding fertility health, preservation, assisted reproduction, adoption, gestational surrogacy, donor assistance, pregnancy, menopause and low testosterone.
• A free parental success solution and neurodiversity training benefit provided by RethinkCare Family.
• The family solution gives you and your family 24/7 access to behavioural health support tools and resources, including 1:1 digital & live support, unlimited access to board‑certified behaviour analysts and thousands of clinically validated audio/visual trainings, with support on ADHD & developmental disabilities.
• Bridge the Gap is our parental transition programme which aims to support working parents before, during and after the life‑changing milestone of becoming a parent.

Flexible Working and Work‑Life Balance

Work‑life balance and flexibility is a key focus area for Jacobs. We’re happy to discuss the different working patterns we offer:

• Part‑time roles
• Flexible working hours, including compressed hours (working full‑time hours over fewer days)
• Annualised hours contract (working a defined number of hours over a year with an estimated average weekly hour pattern)
• Desk‑based only roles

Application Support

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team.