Biodiversity Net Gain Specialist (UK wide)

Overview

Biodiversity Net Gain Specialist (UK wide) – Jacobs, nationwide. We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Biodiversity Net Gain Specialist to lead the development and delivery of BNG strategies across our projects. This is a pivotal role in shaping our environmental impact, ensuring compliance with emerging legislation, and driving nature-positive outcomes. Positions are available on a permanent full-time and part-time, job share or flexible basis.

Location and Team

Opportunities available in Jacobs offices nationwide (examples include Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Peterborough and Reading). Wherever you’re based, you’ll find a welcoming team and exciting projects waiting for you.

Responsibilities

• Lead on applying a biodiversity net gain approach to projects, including the use of biodiversity metrics and the design and delivery of net gain solutions.
• Work in multidisciplinary teams to ensure terrestrial ecology requirements are recognised, acknowledged and designed into projects to maximise outcomes for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Support and engage with the Geospatial team to deliver innovative digital approaches to assessment.
• Ensure quality standards by delivering assessments/reports through quality assurance protocols.
• Contribute to Jacobs’ broader Nature Positive offering, including natural capital and environmental net gain approaches.
• Leverage experience of biodiversity net gain to support other ecology deliverables such as Ecological Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulation Appraisals.
• Develop and share skills to build team and individual capability, including engagement with global communities of practice, external communications (conferences, presentations, client meetings) and training events.

What you’ll need (Qualifications & Skills)

• Detailed working knowledge of the biodiversity net gain approach, including the Defra Statutory Biodiversity Metric, and the underpinning policy and legislative drivers.
• Working knowledge of designing for biodiversity net gain, including habitat restoration, enhancement and creation techniques.
• Technical reporting skills in line with national legislation and guidance, including experience in preparing habitat management and monitoring plans.
• Effective client, stakeholder and regulator engagement.
• Leadership skills in providing ecological input to projects.
• Understanding of project consenting and construction.
• Chartered membership of a professional body (or the experience to obtain chartership).

Our Culture and Benefits

Our values stand on safety, integrity, inclusion and diversity. We place people at the heart of our business and support one another through a culture of care. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees. We offer:

• 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 ecologists across the UK & Ireland and globally
• A culture of collaboration and sustainability – work on projects that matter

EEO and Recruitment Information

Jacobs is an equal opportunity employer and a Disability Confident employer. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact the team. We value inclusion and diversity and are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs through our Employee Networks and Communities of Practice.