Principal Ecologist /Associate Director - Ecology Glasgow/Edinburgh

Jacobs; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days holiday plus 10 optional days

Robust pension contributions up to 10%

Comprehensive health coverage

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a leader for their ecology team in Glasgow, Scotland. This role involves shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure and overseeing critical ecological projects across the UK and Ireland.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in terrestrial ecology, line management experience, and proven client-facing skills. Competitive salary and diverse benefits included.

Qualifications

• Significant industry experience in terrestrial ecology is required.
• Proven line management and mentoring abilities are essential.
• Confidence in engaging with clients and regulators is critical.

Responsibilities

• Steer the strategic direction of the ecology team.
• Act as a trusted advisor for clients and stakeholders.
• Drive team growth and performance through leadership.

Skills

Terrestrial ecology

Line management

Client-facing skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Chartered status or readiness to achieve it

Strategic management experience

Job description

At Jacobs, we are 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.

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.
• Take on line management responsibilities and help set direction, influence strategy, and build 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.
• Your expertise, vision and leadership will be visible and you will have the platform to shape both projects and people at scale.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• A strong background in terrestrial ecology with significant industry experience.
• Chartered status (or ready 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.
• Proactive, hands‑on leadership style with strong self‑awareness.
• Ability to adapt and thrive across diverse, complex projects.

Desired Experience

• Innovative scoping of ecological inputs.
• Protected species licensing and biodiversity enhancements.
• Project consenting and construction environments.
• Stakeholder and regulator engagement.
• Planning enquiries and examinations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary reflecting your skills and experience.
• 24 days holiday plus the option to buy a further 10 days.
• Robust pension contributions up to 10%.
• Comprehensive health coverage with single medical cover and Digital GP service, with options to add partner and family.
• Employee networks and diversity initiatives.
• Family planning support, fertility healthcare and family planning services.
• Enhanced parental leave pay 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 access to wellbeing apps.
• Professional development including coverage of membership fees and continuous professional development opportunities.
• Community engagement through charity matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.
• Hybrid working with a standard 40‑hour working week.

EEO Statement

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. We invite applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and support an inclusive workplace.