At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the London ecology team and drive innovative ecological projects.
- Company: Join Jacobs, a leader in solving critical global challenges.
- Benefits: 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 environment while shaping the future of ecology.
- Qualifications: Strong background in ecology with leadership experience and strategic mindset.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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. We are looking for a Principal Ecologist or Associate Director to help lead our London ecology team – a pivotal role within our UK ecology business. You’ll combine strategic leadership, technical excellence and people development, working across an exciting portfolio of projects spanning water, transport and energy infrastructure.
Responsibilities
- Steer the strategic direction for the London ecology team and contribute to UK‑wide leadership.
- Act as the go‑to expert, providing high‑quality advice to clients, stakeholders and regulators.
- Build strong relationships through extensive client and stakeholder engagement.
- Lead and inspire colleagues through empathetic, high‑impact leadership and mentoring.
- Apply technical expertise across EIA, Habitat Regulations Assessment and Biodiversity Net Gain.
- Design and oversee ecological monitoring and survey programmes.
- Collaborate across disciplines to deliver integrated, innovative solutions.
- Play a central role in identifying, bidding and winning new work.
- Promote the ecology team’s capability across the wider business and externally.
- Oversee resource planning for the London and South‑East ecology teams to ensure workloads are balanced and projects are properly supported.
- Shape not just projects, but people, performance and the future direction of the team.
Qualifications
- Confident, forward‑thinking leader ready to take the next step.
- Strong background in terrestrial ecology with significant industry experience.
- Chartered status (or on track to achieve it).
- Proven experience leading ecological input on large‑scale projects.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to influence wider business decisions.
- Experience in line management, mentoring and team development.
- Proactive, hands‑on approach with strong self‑awareness.
- Ability to adapt across diverse and complex projects.
Preferred Experience
- Innovative scoping of ecological inputs.
- Protected species licensing and Biodiversity Net Gain.
- Project consenting and construction environments.
- Stakeholder and regulator engagement.
- Planning inquiries and examinations.
Benefits
- Competitive salary reflecting your skills and experience.
- 24 days holiday, with an option to purchase a further 10 days.
- Enhanced pension contributions up to 10%.
- Comprehensive health coverage with digital GP service and optional partner/family add‑on.
- Employee networks supporting a diverse workforce.
- Family planning support, including access to fertility healthcare and family planning services.
- Enhanced parental leave 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 free access to wellness apps.
- Professional development: coverage of membership fees and continuous professional development opportunities.
- Community engagement: charity matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.
- Hybrid working with a standard 40‑hour working week.
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.
Principal Ecologist /Associate Director - Ecology London employer: Jacobs
At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our London team thrives on strategic leadership and technical excellence, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development while working on impactful projects that shape resilient environments. With competitive benefits, a commitment to employee wellbeing, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, Jacobs is the ideal place for passionate ecologists looking to make a meaningful difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist /Associate Director - Ecology London
✨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 London
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 London 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.
