Location: Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
Job ID: #40766
Work arrangement: Hybrid, 40‑hour week
About the Opportunity
We are looking for a Principal Ecologist or Associate Director to lead our Birmingham ecology team – a pivotal role within the UK ecology business. You will combine strategic leadership, technical excellence and people development across an exciting portfolio of projects in water, transport and energy infrastructure.
Responsibilities
* Help steer the strategic direction of 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.
Qualifications
* 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.
* Strategic mindset with ability to influence wider business decisions.
* Experience in line management, mentoring and team development.
* Proactive, hands‑on approach with strong self‑awareness.
* Ability to adapt across diverse and complex projects.
Desired Experience
* 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.
Benefits
* Competitive salary reflecting skills and experience.
* 24 days holiday, with option to purchase an additional 10 days.
* Robust pension contributions up to 10% of salary.
* Comprehensive health coverage, including digital GP service, with options for partner and family.
* Commitment to diversity with employee networks and inclusion initiatives.
* Family planning support and enhanced parental leave.
* Income protection in case of long‑term illness or injury.
* Well‑being hub with free access to wellbeing apps.
* Professional development: coverage of professional membership fees and continuous professional development opportunities.
* Community engagement programmes with charitable donations and matched‑funding.
Company Overview
Jacobs is a global engineering and consulting leader committed to solving the world's most critical problems through innovation and collaboration. We value safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging, and provide employees with supportive and flexible working arrangements.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Jacobs is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from disabled candidates and those who may not meet all listed requirements. We interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria.
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