Principal Ecologist /Associate Director - Ecology Birmingham

At Jacobs, we're 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.

Your impact

• Lead from the front and shape the future of ecology in one of the UK’s most dynamic regions.
• In Birmingham, play a key role within the office’s leadership team – providing direction and helping guide how major programmes are delivered across the UK.
• Take on line‑management responsibilities and support the development of a high‑performing team, influencing decisions on nationally significant energy and water infrastructure, major highway and rail schemes.
• Your expertise will directly influence decisions that impact communities, environments and sustainability outcomes for decades to come.
• This isn’t just leadership – this is visible, meaningful impact at scale.

What’s In It For Me?

• Global reach – collaborate with 600+ ecologists worldwide.
• 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.

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 – enhanced pension contributions up to 10%.
• 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 programmes.
• Life assurance at 4× 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.

About The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Principal Ecologist or Associate Director to help lead our Birmingham ecology team – a pivotal role within our UK ecology business.

• Help steer the strategic direction for the Birmingham ecology team and contribute to UK‑wide leadership.
• Act as the go‑to expert, providing high‑quality advice to clients, stakeholders and regulators.
• Build strong relationships through extensive client and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead and inspire colleagues through empathetic, high‑impact leadership and mentoring.
• Apply your technical expertise across EIA, Habitat Regulations Assessment and Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Design and oversee ecological monitoring and survey programmes.
• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver integrated, innovative solutions.
• Play a central role in identifying, bidding and winning new work.
• Promote the ecology team’s capability across the wider business and externally.

This is your opportunity to shape not just projects, but people, performance and the future direction of the team.

Here’s what you’ll need

• A strong background in terrestrial ecology with significant industry experience.
• Chartered status (or on track to achieve it).
• Proven experience leading ecological input on large‑scale projects.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to influence wider business decisions.
• Experience in line management, mentoring and team development.
• A proactive, hands‑on approach with strong self‑awareness.
• The ability to adapt across diverse and complex projects.

You’ll be a confident, forward‑thinking leader ready to take the next step.

We’d Love To See Experience In

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

But most importantly, you’ll bring the ability to think differently, challenge the norm and continually improve how we deliver for our clients.

Why Join Now?

Because this is your chance to lead a team, influence major infrastructure, and shape the future of ecology within a global organisation.

If you’re ready to make your mark in Birmingham and beyond, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Apply now and take the next step with Jacobs.

Jacobs offers hybrid working and a standard 40‑hour working week.

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 value safety, flexibility and well‑being, and offer a range of benefits to support your professional and personal growth.

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