Principal Hydroecologist

Jacobs
Jacobs

London, UK

Posted on Nov 13, 2026
Industry
Water

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

In this newly created role you will provide technical leadership in peatland restoration, wetland creation, hydro-ecology and nature-based solutions shaping and delivering innovative catchment management approaches, and supporting the growth of Jacobs' Water Catchment Management capability. Combining your specialist scientific expertise with strategic thinking to develop integrated solutions that address water, environmental and societal challenges your remit will include:

  • Provide technical expertise in hydro-ecology, wetlands, water management and restoration design.
  • Develop and deliver technical approaches, methodologies, conceptual models and restoration strategies for peatland, wetland and nature-based solution projects.
  • Manage the technical delivery of peatland, wetland and nature-based solution projects.
  • Review project deliverables, design assumptions and technical recommendations.
  • Undertake technical reviews, project verification and quality assurance activities.
  • Coordinate project verification and quality assurance activities.
  • Manage technical risks associated with project delivery, design assumptions and environmental outcomes.
  • Drive and ensure compliance with client, regulatory and environmental requirements.
  • Foster a culture of support and knowledge sharing, facilitating the personal and career development of colleagues and peers.
Here's what you'll need

We would be delighted to hear from candidates with a real mix of the following skills and experience:

  • Chartered CIWEM, CIEEM or IES
  • Demonstrable experience delivering peatland restoration, wetland creation, habitat restoration and nature-based solutions.
  • Sound technical expertise in hydro-ecological conceptual site models, water balances, wetland assessment, restoration, environmental monitoring and detailed technical designs.
  • A track record in leading multidisciplinary teams, supporting and mentoring technical staff.
  • Experience of delivering technical reviews, verification or assurance of complex projects.
  • Good knowledge of UK environmental policy, permitting and regulatory frameworks relevant to wetlands, peatlands, protected sites, water management and habitat restoration.

#LI-NM1

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.

Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds. For greater online accessibility please visit https://www.vercida.com/uk/employers/jacobs to view and access our roles.

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.


Locations
City State Country
Edinburgh East Lothian United Kingdom
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