Principal Ecologist (Ireland)

Principal Ecologist – Ireland 

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.

We have ecology teams based across the Ireland and would welcome applicants into our offices in Dublin, Cork and Belfast. While Jacobs offers flexibility in how and where you work, regular office presence is important to guide, support and mentor our growing Irish ecology team.

As part of a collaborative and growing team, you’ll contribute to the delivery of major high-profile projects across Infrastructure, Utilities, Local Authorities and more. From the East Coast Rail Infrastructure Protection Programme to large‑scale coastal protection and underground cable schemes, your work will directly influence environmental outcomes at national and international level.

This is more than project delivery – it’s an opportunity to make a visible and meaningful contribution to sustainable development, nature recovery and resilient infrastructure at scale in one of Irelands most dynamic regions.

What’s In It For Me

• 🌍 Global reach – collaborate with 600+ ecologists worldwide and tap into unmatched expertise
• 📈 Clear progression – structured development through our Global Career Framework & Chartership Academy
• ? Develop technical excellence – strengthen your expertise across a broad range of sectors while supporting and mentoring early-career ecologists
• ? Influence major projects – work on a range of high-profile, complex infrastructure projects across water, transport, and energy and multiple local authorities
• 🌱 Champion biodiversity – help shape sustainable solutions that balance development needs with nature recovery and environmental stewardship
• 💡 Build your professional profile – develop trusted client relationships, contribute to thought leadership, and be recognised for delivering high-quality ecological outcomes

You’ll be trusted to lead, supported to grow, and empowered to make a genuine difference.

About the Opportunity

We’re looking for a driven Principal Ecologist to join our Irish ecology team, to take a leading role in some of the most transformative infrastructure projects in Europe. From the ground-breaking Rail Infrastructure Protection Projects which is the largest coastal protection initiative in Europe, to pioneering underground electricity cable schemes of unprecedented scale. You’ll be at the forefront of projects that protect communities, drive innovation, and advance sustainable infrastructure.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and contribute to ecological inputs for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Appropriate Assessments (AA)

• Provide strategic ecological advice as a trusted technical lead for clients, project teams and stakeholders
• Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, ensuring ecological considerations are integrated into project design and decision-making
• Build strong relationships with internal and external clients, environmental regulators and stakeholders to support future work pipelines
• Represent Jacobs through participation in professional networks, conferences, client meetings and knowledge sharing events
• Mentor, support and guide junior team members, fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaboration

• A background in terrestrial ecology with an extensive number of years’ relevant industry experience.
• A degree in ecology or a related environmental discipline with extensive industry experience
• Chartered membership of an appropriate professional body (or eligibility and commitment to achieving chartership)
• Strong technical expertise across ecology, environmental assessment and regulatory frameworks
• Excellent communication and client facing skills, with the ability to influence, advise and lead
• Experience managing complex projects and contributing to business development, proposals or work-winning activities
• A collaborative mindset and passion for advancing high-quality ecological outcomes across Ireland’s growing infrastructure landscape

Ideally you'll also have:

• Experience working on infrastructure, energy, water or transport projects
• Experience of protective species licencing and biodiversity enhancements
• Stakeholder engagement

But beyond experience, what really matters is your ability to think differently, challenge the status quo, and spot opportunities to improve how we deliver for our clients.

Why Join Now?

People are Jacobs’ greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent.   

In addition to the benefits you’d expect, Irish employees also receive:  

• defined company contribution pension scheme; 
• life assurance and income protection scheme
• reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships; 
• support to their local communities through our Collectively program which incorporates matched-funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.

Wellbeing support and resources are available to Irish employees comprising the following: 

• Free employee digital GP service. 
• Family Care Mental Health Support. 
• Bereavement support. 
• Best Doctors Second Medical Opinion service.
• Confidential information & counselling service provided by Optum. Emotional Wellbeing Solutions is a free confidential information and counselling service available 24/7 via phone or online. Experienced consultants are available to discuss finance, legal, family matters and counselling can be provided for personal support.
• Personalised financial planning and support provided by Origin, with 1:1 access to dedicated certified financial planners.

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