At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow a top ecology team, shaping sustainable infrastructure projects across Scotland.
- Company: Join Jacobs, a leader in solving critical global challenges with innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, health coverage, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of ecology and sustainable development.
- Qualifications: Strong background in terrestrial ecology and proven leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 87100 £ per year.
At Jacobs, we are 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.
Impact
Lead, shape and grow one of the UK’s most ambitious ecology teams, right at the heart of our Scotland practice, and leave a lasting mark on the future of sustainable infrastructure. Take on line management responsibilities and help set direction, influence strategy, and build a high‑performing team that plays a critical role in some of the most complex and high‑profile developments across Scotland, the wider UK and Ireland. From renewable energy and nuclear infrastructure to major transport and water programmes, your leadership will ensure ecology is at the forefront of decision‑making – not an afterthought. Your expertise, vision and leadership will be visible and you will have the platform to shape both projects and people at scale.
Responsibilities
- Help steer the strategic direction of the team and contribute 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 your team internally, raising its profile across the wider business.
Qualifications
- A strong background in terrestrial ecology with significant industry experience.
- Chartered status (or ready to achieve it).
- 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.
- Willingness to travel across the UK and Ireland when needed.
- Proactive, hands‑on leadership style with strong self‑awareness.
- Ability to adapt and thrive across diverse, complex projects.
Desired 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 reflecting your skills and experience.
- 24 days holiday plus the option to buy a further 10 days.
- Robust pension contributions up to 10%.
- Comprehensive health coverage with single medical cover and Digital GP service, with options to add partner and family.
- Employee networks and diversity initiatives.
- Family planning support, fertility healthcare and family planning services.
- Enhanced parental leave pay and free membership to employee assistance and parental programmes.
- Life assurance at 4× your salary.
- Income protection for long‑term illness or injury.
- Wellbeing hub with access to wellbeing apps.
- Professional development including coverage of membership fees and continuous professional development opportunities.
- Community engagement through charity matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.
- Hybrid working with a standard 40‑hour working week.
EEO Statement
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. We invite applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and support an inclusive workplace.
Principal Ecologist /Associate Director - Ecology Glasgow employer: Jacobs
At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our Glasgow office is at the forefront of ecological advancements, providing employees with unique opportunities for professional growth while contributing to impactful projects across Scotland and beyond. With competitive benefits, a commitment to employee wellbeing, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, we empower our team to lead the way in sustainable infrastructure and make a meaningful difference in the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist /Associate Director - Ecology Glasgow
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Jacobs.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Jacobs and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist /Associate Director - Ecology Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Jacobs.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Jacobs will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Principal Ecologist /Associate Director - Ecology Glasgow at Jacobs. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Jacobs, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
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.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Jacobs that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
