We have an exciting opportunity for a senior/principal ecologist with a special interest in ornithology to join our award-winning ecology team across the UK.
The successful individuals will join a respected and ambitious company with excellent career prospects both locally and internationally. We actively support the professional development of staff, through our Global Career Framework, Chartership Academy Programme, Employee Networks and our Community of Practice networks, which connect us to over 200 Jacobs ecologists in the UK and Ireland, and over 600 globally. You will work with hydrologists, geomorphologists, engineers, planner and project managers to provide support and advice to our clients. You will ensure ecology input is considered by project teams, work as a first point of contact and, with the support of the wider team, provide high quality technical advice.
What’s In It For Me
This is more than a step up - it’s a career-defining leadership role.
Global reach – collaborate with 600+ ecologists worldwide and tap into unmatched expertise
Clear progression – structured development through our Global Career Framework & Chartership Academy
? Build your legacy – lead, grow and shape a team in your own vision
? Influence major projects – work with clients like Environment Agency, National Grid, Network Rail & National Highways
Win and shape future work – play a key role in bidding, strategy and growth
Be recognised as a leader – represent Jacobs through client engagement, industry presence and thought leadership
You’ll be trusted to lead, supported to grow, and empowered to make a genuine 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: We offer 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: We have a 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
4️⃣ 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 (CPD) opportunities
Community Engagement: Participate in charity matched-funding, paid volunteering time, and charitable donations
The role will include:
- Delivering some of the most challenging, diverse and innovative projects. Presently, we are engaged across a range of sectors and projects including 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 etc.
- A combination 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.
