Principal Ecologist /Associate Director - Ecology Glasgow/Edinburgh in Musselburgh

Market Environmental

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.

Your 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.

You won’t just be delivering projects.

You’ll take on line management responsibilities and be helping set direction, influencing strategy, and building 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.

This is a role where your expertise, vision and leadership will be visible - and where you’ll have the platform to shape both projects and people at scale.

What’s In It For Me?

At Jacobs, this isn’t just a leadership role - it’s a career‑defining move.

Lead on a global stage – connect with 600+ ecologists worldwide and influence beyond the UK.

Shape your career path – structured progression through our Global Career Framework & Chartership Academy.

Build and help lead a high‑performing team – develop talent, mentor future leaders, and create a lasting legacy.

Collaborate across disciplines – work with experts across water, energy and environment on complex challenges.

Win and deliver exciting work – play a key role in bidding, winning and shaping major projects.

Be recognised as a leader – represent Jacobs through client relationships, industry events and thought leadership.

You’ll be given the autonomy, support and platform to lead with confidence and make a tangible difference.

We Offer

Competitive salary: We offer compensation that reflects your skills and experience.

24 days holiday + option to buy a further 10 days.

Robust Pension Contributions: enhanced pension contributions up to 10% to secure your future.

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Single medical cover and Digital GP service, with options to add your partner and family.

Employee Networks: Commitment to hiring a diverse workforce and supporting colleagues of different backgrounds.

Family Planning Support: Access to fertility healthcare and family planning services.

Enhanced Parental Leave: Enjoy enhanced parental leave pay and free membership to employee assistance and parental programs.

Life assurance at 4x your salary.

Income Protection: Financial security in case of long‑term illness or injury.

Wellbeing Hub: Free access to wellbeing apps like Calm and Daily Burn.

Professional Development: We cover professional membership fees and provide continuous professional development opportunities.

Community Engagement: Participate in charity matched‑funding, paid volunteering time, and charitable donations.

About the Opportunity

We’re looking for an experienced and driven Principal Ecologist or Associate Director to join our Scotland team and take on a pivotal leadership role within our UK ecology business.

You’ll work across an impressive portfolio of projects for clients including Transport Scotland, BEAR Scotland, Natural England, Low Carbon, Uisce Éireann and local authorities, while playing a central role in shaping the future of our ecology offering.

Responsibilities

• Help steer the strategic direction of the team, contributing to wider UK ecology leadership.
• Act as a trusted advisor – 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 readiness 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.
• A proactive, hands‑on leadership style with strong self‑awareness.
• Ability to adapt and thrive across diverse, complex projects.
• Experience in innovative scoping of ecological inputs.
• Protected species licensing and biodiversity enhancements.
• Project consenting and construction environments.
• Stakeholder and regulator engagement.
• Planning enquiries and examinations.

Why Join Now?

Because this is more than a leadership role – it’s your chance to define the future of ecology within a global organisation while working on projects that shape the world around us.

If you’re ready to lead, influence and grow at scale, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply

Apply now and take the next step with Jacobs.

Jacobs offers hybrid working and a standard 40‑hour working week.

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