Apprentice Ecologist | Leeds

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow. Start your career with a company that inspires you to deliver your best work so you can grow and succeed!

The biggest questions spark our curious minds. At Jacobs, we solve the most important problems, the ones for the real world. Whether its projects focused on addressing the climate emergency, improving our security, or benefiting our communities by improving transportation links and infrastructure, we’re always working to build a better future.

About this apprenticeship

Are you looking to study alongside working for a company focused on the biggest challenges in the world? An apprenticeship with Jacobs may be right for you:

https://www.jacobs.com/newsroom/news/develop-skills-life-9-unbeatable-reasons-pursue-apprenticeship-jacobs

Apply today to come and join us!

We are excited to be looking for an Ecologist apprentice to join our Leeds office. You will work towards achieving a Level 6 qualification at Harper Adams University.

Want to know what it’s like to be an apprentice working at Jacobs? Meet our UK apprentices!

https://www.jacobs.com/newsroom/news/world-where-you-can-meet-our-uk-apprentices

What will you get?

Jacobs is committed to building careers and supporting personal growth through the Global Career Framework, the Chartership Academy Program, the Employee Networks & Communities of Practice, and a culture of collaboration and sustainability. Jacobs provides support to chart your career path, supports your professional accreditation, enables you to connect with hundreds of ecologists across the globe and work on projects that matter.

About the opportunity

The Sustainability and Biodiversity team works for a huge range of clients including local authorities, National Highways, National Grid, water companies, the Environment Agency and Natural England. Many of our projects relate to proposed development, where we collect and interpret data to inform planning applications and advise on compliance with wildlife legislation. Recent examples include road schemes, rail projects, energy projects such as new overhead cables or nuclear energy facilities, ports and flood alleviation schemes.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to provide interesting mitigation and enhancements to support the conservation of wildlife across large-scale schemes and numerous client frameworks for smaller projects.

As an ecologist apprentice, your role typically includes:

• Shadowing experienced ecologists and receiving mentoring to build confidence in ecological survey methodologies across the UK (e.g. habitat surveys, protected species surveys for species such as bats, water vole, or badgers).
• Collecting, recording, and managing ecological data to professional standards.
• Working in both rural and urban areas across the UK.
• Supporting colleagues in preparing ecological reports, impact assessments, and mitigation strategies for planning applications.
• Learning how to interpret and apply UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and industry.
• Contributing to project meetings, discussions on survey design, project timelines, and client requirements.
• Building transferable skills in teamwork, communication and problem solving.

Successful candidates will spend approximately 20% of their time as an Apprentice Ecologist completing a Level 6 Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship, provided by Harper Adams University. This will enable participants to gain a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Management and Sustainability while working for Jacobs.

This apprenticeship is the first step in a permanent role with Jacobs. Upon successful completion, you will move into our established career framework, with clear opportunities to continue developing and progressing your career.

• At least grade C in three A levels / equivalent UCAS points OR a Level 3 Apprenticeship in construction or property-related discipline
• GCSE English and Maths (A*-C or 9–4) or equivalent
• A full UK driving licence, or willingness to actively work towards gaining one during your apprenticeship
• Permanent right to work in the UK
• Interest in ecology and the environment, and enthusiasm for learning new skills in the field and office
• Willingness to travel and stay away from home to conduct fieldwork
• Willingness to take ownership of your work and learn from experiences
• Flexibility to work unsociable hours, including early mornings and evenings when surveys require
• Able to communicate clearly and willing to develop your writing and speaking skills

Apply before 5th January 2026 for your application to be considered in the first assessment window. You can still apply after this date if the role remains open to applications. However, you do so with the knowledge that we may not proceed with your application if the role is filled in the first assessment window.