Overview

Jacobs is one of the world’s largest and most diverse providers of full-spectrum technical, professional and consultancy services for industrial, commercial and government organisations globally.   With more than 74,000 people globally, our teams collaborate, innovate and create. Our people are proud to have been behind some of the greatest consultancy and engineering feats over the past 70 years.   We foster a collaborative and inclusive environment for our people, and our partners, and we want you to be a part of our growing business.   Our Environment, Maritime & Resilience business provides a focus for advising our clients on sustainability issues including renewable energy, low carbon economies, impacts of climate change and waste and resource management. Our environmental capabilities comprise around 1100 staff across the UK and Ireland, with over 200 ecologists based in 15 locations.   To meet our growing business needs and future development aspirations, Jacobs has a vacancy for a Freshwater Ecologist within our aquatic ecology team based in Southampton. The aquatic ecology team is an exciting and enthusiastic team of 30 technical specialists working within both marine and freshwater environments. We support the breadth of compliance and consenting projects across Jacobs, undertaking Environmental Impact Assessment, compliance monitoring of operational sites, assessment of protected site integrity, research and development.   The successful person will become part of a respected and ambitious company with excellent career prospects.   As a Freshwater Ecologist / Senior Freshwater Ecologist you will be working on a number of high profile national infrastructure developments. You will work as part of a national team, helping to plan and deliver freshwater monitoring programmes around the UK.   The successful candidates will be confident in the planning and delivery of freshwater ecological surveys, with experience of fisheries, macro-invertebrate, macrophyte and habitat surveys. Ideally you will have recent experience in a freshwater taxonomic discipline (species level assessment of macroinvertebrates or macrophyte for example) and be confident working within a laboratory environment under quality control procedures. You will be well versed with writing up technical reports, and have a good understanding of freshwater pressures, and a working knowledge of the relevant UK legislation. Specialist knowledge (e.g. protected species licence, river habitat survey accreditation) and an enthusiasm to learn from a dedicated aquatic ecology team will be encouraged.    The Senior Freshwater Ecologist role will, in addition to the attributes listed above, will be conversant with EIA, HRA and/or WFD assessments, have a technical specialism or project management and the ability to independently lead field and laboratory data collection analysis with minimal supervision.   A flexible approach to working is a must, as there will be a requirement for you to travel within the UK.   Responsibilities include:   •     Delivery of freshwater ecology surveys •     Lead surveys in rivers, lakes and ponds •     Plan and coordinate survey logistics •     Analysis and interpretation of survey and laboratory data •     Technical report writing

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Essential:

  • Degree qualification in a related discipline
  • Freshwater taxonomy (invertebrates and / or botany)
  • Proven ability to lead appropriate monitoring programmes
  • Ability to write clear and concise reports
  • Data analysis and interpretation skills – use of current biological metrics
  • Understanding of relevant UK legislation
  • Membership of a professional body
  • (Senior Ecologist) Chartered status with a recognised professional body
  • Full driving licence

Desirable:

  • Relevant survey qualifications, e.g. electric fishing, and/or river habitat survey accreditation
  • Personal survival skills training and/or water safety training
  • Post graduate qualification in a related discipline
  • Chartered status (or working towards) with a relevant professional body

Our Culture At Jacobs we have recently celebrated 10 years of our culture of caring – ‘BeyondZero’. We see safety differently – we strive to go BeyondZero by putting the health, safety and well-being of our employees first in everything we do.   We are committed to equality across our business and we promote STEMand WISE (Women in Science & Engineering) initiatives. When you join Jacobs you will have access to a wide range of Global Networks, centred on inclusion and diversity. To find out more about our networks, check out our website:  https://www.jacobs.com/join-us#grow-with-us   We encourage applications from candidates looking for flexible working or reduced hours’ contracts.

Successful candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard Pre-Employment check and will be required to undergo various checks including: Identity, Right to Work; Employment/Education History and Criminal Record. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed or rejected.   JACOBS is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all.