Senior/Principal Ecologist With Specialism In Ornithology in Ledston

Overview

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.

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’re hiring nationwide, with opportunities available in our offices across Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Peterborough and Reading.

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.

Responsibilities

• Delivering some of the most challenging, diverse and innovative projects. Presently, we are engaged across a range of sectors and projects including transport, water and energy for local, regional and national clients including government agencies, local authorities, utilities and energy companies.
• Working in multidisciplinary teams – quickly building rapport and trust to ensure that ornithological requirements are recognised, acknowledged and constraints acted upon.
• Using your experience in ornithology – to lead ornithological surveys, provide expert advice to clients (internal and external). In periods with limited ornithological workload, you will also support and contribute to 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 etc.
• A combination 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

• 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), with applications 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.

Preferred

• Current and full driving licence.
• Another ecological specialism as well as Ornithology.

Benefits

• Up to 10% company contribution into 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 information and counselling service available 24/7 via phone or online.
• 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. With Carrot, you can virtually chat with experts, explore educational resources, find a vetted provider, and use employer‑sponsored funds to pay for care. Get support with understanding fertility health, preservation (egg, sperm, embryo), assisted reproduction (e.g., in vitro fertilisation), 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 to help parents or caregivers of children raise happy, healthy and resilient children: 1:1 digital & live support – unlimited access to Board Certified Behaviour Analysts and thousands of clinically validated audio/visual trainings, including support with ADHD & developmental disabilities.
• Bridge the Gap is our parental transition programme which aims to make Jacobs employer of choice for working parents, supporting them before, during and after the life‑changing milestone of becoming a parent.

Work‑life balance and flexibility

• Hybrid working.
• 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.

Equal Opportunity

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.