UK Principal Ecologist & Strategic Team Leader

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

Benefits offered by this job

24 days holiday + option to buy a 10‑d

Robust Pension Contributions up to 10%

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Employee Networks & Communities of 202

Family Planning Support

Enhanced Parental Leave

Life assurance at 4x salary

Income Protection

Job summary

Jacobs in the UK seeks a Principal Ecologist or Associate Director to lead ecology across the UK, with focus on Birmingham, Scotland, Peterborough, London, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow. You’ll guide strategic direction, mentor teams and secure high-value client relationships on energy, water, and transport schemes.

You’ll combine technical excellence with people leadership, deliver EIA, Biodiversity Net Gain and monitoring programs, and help win new work while shaping the future of ecology

Qualifications

• Strong background in terrestrial ecology with significant industry experience.
• Chartered status (or willingness to achieve).
• Proven line management, mentoring and leadership ability.
• Excellent client-facing and regulatory engagement skills.
• Willingness to travel UK and Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Help steer strategic direction for UK ecology leadership.
• Lead and mentor teams with high-impact leadership.
• Act as trusted advisor to clients, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Lead client relationships and represent Jacobs externally.
• Oversee EIA, Habitat Regulations Assessment and Biodiversity Net Gain.

Skills

Terrestrial ecology

Leadership

Client engagement

Mentoring

Education

Chartered ecologist (or equivalent)

Job description

Jacobs in the UK seeks a Principal Ecologist or Associate Director to lead ecology across the UK, with focus on Birmingham, Scotland, Peterborough, London, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow. You’ll guide strategic direction, mentor teams and secure high-value client relationships on energy, water, and transport schemes.

You’ll combine technical excellence with people leadership, deliver EIA, Biodiversity Net Gain and monitoring programs, and help win new work while shaping the future of ecology