Principal Ecologist | Lead, Grow & Shape Ecology

Jacobs; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

24 days holiday

Pension contributions 10%

Health coverage

Employee networks

Parental leave

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Principal Ecologist or Associate Director to lead our Newcastle ecology team within the UK. You will steer strategic direction, oversee biodiversity strategies and EIAs, and lead high‑value client relationships with regulators and authorities across the UK and Ireland.

You’ll drive growth, mentor teams and deliver innovative, cross‑disciplinary solutions in a hybrid working setup that values safety and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Experience leading ecology teams and projects.
• Chartered Ecologist or ready to achieve chartered status.
• Proven ability to engage clients, stakeholders and regulators.

Responsibilities

• Steer the strategic direction of the ecology team and contribute to UK leadership.
• Act as trusted advisor to clients, regulators and stakeholders.
• Lead high‑value client relationships and represent Jacobs externally.
• Drive team growth, resilience and performance through empathetic leadership.
• Oversee EIA, Habitats Regulations Appraisal and biodiversity strategies.
• Design and lead ecological monitoring programs and survey strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Ecology expertise

Strategic thinking

Client engagement

Regulator liaison

Project leadership

Mentoring

Education

Chartered Ecologist

Job description

Jacobs is seeking a Principal Ecologist or Associate Director to lead our Newcastle ecology team within the UK. You will steer strategic direction, oversee biodiversity strategies and EIAs, and lead high‑value client relationships with regulators and authorities across the UK and Ireland.

You’ll drive growth, mentor teams and deliver innovative, cross‑disciplinary solutions in a hybrid working setup that values safety and inclusion.