Principal Ecologist
Description
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.
Shape the future of Ireland’s natural environment while leading some of Europe’s most ambitious infrastructure and environmental programmes.
As a Principal Ecologist at Jacobs, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering 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.
Based in Ireland, you’ll join a dynamic and collaborative ecology team across Dublin and Cork, with strong ties to Jacobs’ wider UK and global networks. 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.
This is more than a role — it’s an opportunity to drive meaningful environmental change while developing your career within a global organisation committed to innovation, technical excellence and sustainability.
- 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 degree in ecology or a related environmental discipline, with extensive relevant 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
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We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.
Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.
| City | State | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin | Dublin | Ireland |
| Cork | Co. Cork | Ireland |
| Dublin | Dublin | Ireland |