Principal Ecologist /Associate Director – Ecology Newcastle upon Tyne

Overview

In this role you will lead and shape a growing ecology team in Newcastle, guiding strategy and development within Jacobs’ UK ecology business. You will influence decision-making across major projects in energy, transport and water, while mentoring talent and delivering high-impact ecological solutions. You’ll work across disciplines to create integrated, innovative outcomes and represent the practice externally. This is a career-defining opportunity to scale leadership and ecological excellence in a global environment.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive salary
• 24 days holiday + option to buy 10 days
• enhanced pension contributions up to 10%
• comprehensive health coverage
• Wellbeing hub and mental health resources
• professional development and CPD opportunities

Responsibilities

• Steer the team’s strategic direction and contribute to UK ecology leadership
• Act as a trusted advisor for clients, stakeholders and regulators
• Lead high-value client relationships and represent Jacobs externally
• Drive growth, resilience and performance through empathetic leadership
• Oversee EIA, Habitats Regulations Appraisal, and biodiversity strategies
• Design and lead ecological monitoring programmes and survey strategies
• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver integrated project solutions
• Identify, bid for and secure new work
• Champion the team internally to raise its profile across the business

Key requirements

• Strong background in terrestrial ecology with substantial industry experience
• Chartered status (or readiness to achieve)
• Strategic mindset with senior leadership experience
• Proven line management, mentoring and team development
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder engagement skills
• Willingness to travel within the UK and Ireland
• Hands-on, proactive leadership with self-awareness
• Ability to adapt across diverse, complex projects

• leadership
• stakeholder engagement
• adaptability
• EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment)
• Habitat Regulations Appraisal
• biodiversity strategies

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