At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative ecological projects and conduct expert ornithological surveys.
- Company: Join Jacobs, a forward-thinking company making a global impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development support, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Work with a diverse team and access global networks of ecologists.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in ecology while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in terrestrial ecology and strong bird identification skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Senior/Principal ecologist with specialism in ornithology
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.
Your impact
Join Jacobs’ UK Ecology Team as an Ecologist and become part of a dynamic, forward‑thinking organisation that’s making a real impact—locally and globally.
We have an exciting opportunity for a senior or principal ecologist with a special interest in ornithology to join our award‑winning ecology team across the UK.
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 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 challenging, diverse and innovative projects across sectors such as transport, water and energy for local, regional and national clients including government agencies, local authorities, utilities and energy companies.
- Working in multidisciplinary teams, building rapport and trust to ensure that ornithological requirements are recognised, acknowledged and constraints acted upon.
- Leading ornithological surveys, providing expert advice to clients (internal and external).
In periods with limited ornithological workload, you will also support 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.
- 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.
Qualifications and experience
- 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.
- Associate membership of a professional body (or experience to obtain membership); applications are also welcomed from candidates holding full membership or chartership.
- Inquisitiveness and willingness to learn.
- High level of personal responsibility.
- Ability to write clear and concise reports.
- Ideally you’ll also have
- Current and full driving licence.
- Another ecological specialism in addition to ornithology.
- Our culture and values
Our culture is built on safety, integrity, inclusion and diversity. We put people at the heart of our business and believe in supporting one another through a culture of caring.
We are an equal opportunity employer.
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.
Benefits
Benefits include: up to 10% company contribution into pension; reimbursement for professional development; community support through our Collectively programme; paid volunteering time; maternity, paternity and parental leave benefits; fertility and family‑healthcare support; workplace wellbeing services; and flexible working arrangements.
Flexible work options
Part‑time roles, flexible working hours including compressed hours, annualised hours contract, and desk‑based only roles.
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Contact Details:
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. Recruitment Team
