Senior/Principal ecologist with specialism in ornithology in London

At Jacobs, we challenge 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

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.

Wherever you’re based, you’ll find a welcoming team and exciting projects waiting for you.

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, part‑time, job‑share or flexible basis.

The role will include

• Delivering some of the most challenging, diverse and innovative projects across 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.
• A combination of 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.
• Here’s what you’ll need
• 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.
• Ideally, you’ll also have
• Current and full driving licence.
• Another ecological specialism in addition to Ornithology.
• Our Culture

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.

• Our Benefits
• Up to 10% company contribution into your pension.
• Reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships.
• Support to local communities through our Collectively program 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 — 11 counselling consultations.
• Confidential information & counselling service provided by Optum (available 24/7 via phone or online).
• Online demand fitness platform provided by Daily Burn.
• Personalised financial planning and support provided by Origin, with 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 and caregiver support.
• Free parental success solution and neurodiversity training benefit provided by Rethink Care Family.
• Bridge the Gap parental transition programme, which supports parents before, during and after becoming a parent.
• Work‑life balance and flexibility is a key focus area for Jacobs
• 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.

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging 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.

This is reflected in our wide range of global employee networks centred on inclusion and diversity.

Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain diverse talent.

We are a disability‑confident employer and will interview disabled candidates who meet the minimum 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.

Your application experience is important to us.

If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process, please contact the team via Careers Support.

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