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.
Your impact
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
Here's what you'll need
* 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
Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.
With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we've gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You'll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you'll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs.
We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we're more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging. Find out more about our Jacobs Employee Networks here.
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As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.
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.