Principal Ecologist /Associate Director – Ecology Newcastle upon Tyne

Overview

You will lead and grow a high‑performing ecology team in Newcastle, shaping strategic direction and delivering high‑impact projects across the UK & Ireland. You’ll act as a trusted advisor to clients and regulators, drive cross‑disciplinary collaboration, and help win major work. This role combines technical ecology leadership with people development to advance Jacobs’ ecology offering and create lasting change in sustainable infrastructure.

Pay / Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 24 days holiday + option to buy 10 days
• Enhanced pension contributions up to 10%
• Health coverage including Digital GP
• Professional development and CPD opportunities
• Community volunteering and charitable donations

Responsibilities

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

Key requirements

• Strong background in terrestrial ecology with significant industry experience
• Chartered status (or ready to achieve it)
• Strategic mindset for senior leadership decisions
• Proven line management and mentoring experience
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder engagement skills
• Willingness to travel across the UK and Ireland
• Hands-on leadership style with self-awareness
• Ability to adapt across complex projects

• leadership
• stakeholder engagement
• mentoring and developing teams
• EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment)
• Habitats Regulations Appraisal
• biodiversity strategies

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