Principal Ecologist — Infrastructure & Biodiversity Lead

isepglobal; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Life insurance

Development reimbursement

Collectively program

Volunteer time

Buy leave option

Wellbeing resources

Job summary

Jacobs in Belfast is seeking a driven Principal Ecologist to lead ecological inputs for major infrastructure projects across Europe. You will mentor junior ecologists, advise clients, and ensure assessments are integrated into project design while navigating regulatory frameworks.

This role offers hybrid working, opportunities to collaborate with a global ecology team, and the chance to shape biodiversity outcomes across water, transport, and energy sectors for Ireland and beyond.

Qualifications

• Background in terrestrial ecology and extensive industry experience.
• Strong expertise across ecology, environmental assessment and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent communication and client facing skills, with the ability to influence, advise and lead.
• Experience managing complex projects and contributing to business development or work-winning activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to ecological inputs for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Appropriate Assessments (AA).
• Provide strategic ecological advice as a trusted technical lead for clients, project teams and stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, ensuring ecological considerations are integrated into project design and decision-making.
• Build relationships with clients, regulators and stakeholders to support future work pipelines.
• Mentor and guide junior team members to foster technical excellence and collaboration.

Skills

Terrestrial ecology

Environmental assessment

Regulatory frameworks

Communication skills

Client facing

Project leadership

Collaborative mindset

Education

Ecology degree

Chartered membership

Job description

Jacobs in Belfast is seeking a driven Principal Ecologist to lead ecological inputs for major infrastructure projects across Europe. You will mentor junior ecologists, advise clients, and ensure assessments are integrated into project design while navigating regulatory frameworks.

This role offers hybrid working, opportunities to collaborate with a global ecology team, and the chance to shape biodiversity outcomes across water, transport, and energy sectors for Ireland and beyond.