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- Tasks: Lead ecological assessments and mentor junior colleagues on impactful projects.
- Company: Join Jacobs, a forward-thinking organisation making a global impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in ecology while growing your career with a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Strong background in terrestrial ecology and proven leadership in large-scale projects.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with a focus on mental health and community connection.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Are you ready to take your ecological career to the next level? Join Jacobs' UK Ecology Team as a Principal 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 Birmingham, Bristol, 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.
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, mentor junior colleagues, or contribute to shaping environmental policy, Jacobs provides the platform to thrive. Positions are available on a permanent full-time and part-time, job share or flexible basis.
The role will include:
- Delivering major infrastructure projects across water, transport, and energy sectors for clients like Anglian Water, National Highways, Network Rail, and more
- Applying your expertise in Environmental Impact Assessment, Habitats Regulations Assessment, and/or Biodiversity Net Gain
- Collaborating across disciplines, ensuring ecological requirements are integrated into project design and delivery
- Leading ecological monitoring programmes, managing surveys and ensuring high-quality data collection
- Providing expert advice, acting as the main point of contact for clients and stakeholders on large-scale projects
- Building cross-functional networks, working with specialists across geographies and cultures to develop effective solutions
- Mentoring and learning, sharing knowledge through global communities of practice, conferences, and training events
Requirements:
- Strong background in terrestrial ecology with significant industry experience
- Chartered membership (or eligibility) of a relevant professional body
- Proven track record in leading ecological input on large-scale projects
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with sharp attention to detail
- High level of personal accountability and professionalism
- A technical specialism in terrestrial ecology - or broad experience with the ability to adapt quickly to new areas
Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and diversity. We put people at the heart of our business and we 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.
Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain diverse talent. As a Disability Confident employer, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. 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 (UK wide) employer: Jacobs
Contact Detail:
Jacobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist (UK wide)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the ecology field! Attend industry events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in Environmental Impact Assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain. We want to see how your skills can make a difference in their projects, so be ready to share specific examples!
✨Be Ready for Interviews
Prepare for interviews by researching Jacobs and understanding their projects and values. We love candidates who align with our culture of collaboration and sustainability, so think about how your personal values match up with ours before stepping into that interview room.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest job openings and updates about our amazing team at Jacobs!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist (UK wide)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Ecologist role. Highlight your relevant experience in ecological assessments and any projects you've led that align with Jacobs' values and mission.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your excellent written and verbal communication skills. Jacobs is looking for someone who can provide expert advice and collaborate across disciplines, so make sure to illustrate how you’ve done this in the past.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. Jacobs values inclusion and diversity, so don’t hesitate to share your unique experiences and perspectives that could contribute to their culture.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and helps us keep track of all candidates efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs
✨Know Your Ecology Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of terrestrial ecology and relevant assessments like Environmental Impact Assessments. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've applied your expertise in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Ecologist, you'll likely be leading teams and mentoring junior colleagues. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects or guided others in their professional development. This will demonstrate your capability to take charge.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex ecological concepts. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to refine your delivery.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Jacobs values collaboration across disciplines. Be prepared to talk about how you've worked with other specialists in the past and how you can integrate ecological requirements into broader project designs. Highlighting your teamwork will show you're a great fit for their culture.
