At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic ecology team and shape sustainable infrastructure projects across the UK.
- Company: Join Jacobs, a global leader in solving critical environmental challenges.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 24 days holiday, health coverage, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and 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.
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 ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
Impact
Lead, shape and grow one of the UK’s most ambitious ecology teams, and leave a lasting mark on the future of sustainable infrastructure.
You will take on leadership of our growing team in Newcastle, with line‑management responsibilities, and help set direction, influence strategy, and build a high‑performing team that plays a critical role in complex and high‑profile developments across the North‑East of England, 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.
What’s In It For Me?
- 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.
- We Offer
- Competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience.
- 24 days holiday, with an option to buy a further 10 days.
- Robust 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 programs.
- Life assurance at 4× your salary.
- Income protection – financial security in case of long‑term illness or injury.
- Wellbeing hub – free access to wellbeing apps.
- Professional development – we cover professional membership fees and provide continuous professional development opportunities.
- Community engagement – participate in charitable volunteering time and matched‑funding donations.
- About The Opportunity
We’re looking for an experienced and driven Principal Ecologist or Associate Director to join our Newcastle 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 Northumbrian Water, Local Authorities, Environment Agency, National Grid, Network Rail & National Highways.
- 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.
- Here’s what you’ll need
- A strong background in terrestrial ecology with significant industry experience.
- Chartered status (or ready to achieve it).
- A 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.
- A flexible approach with willingness to travel across the UK and Ireland when needed.
- A proactive, hands‑on leadership style with strong self‑awareness. The ability to adapt and thrive across diverse, complex projects.
- We’d be especially excited if you bring 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.
If you’re ready to lead, influence and grow at scale, we’d love to hear from you.
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.
Visit https://www. vercida. com/uk/employers/jacobs to view and access our roles.
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