Market Environmental 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 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 apprenticeshipAre 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: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!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 opportunityThe 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. Here's what you'll need At least grade C in three A levels / equivalent UCAS points OR a Level 3 Apprenticeship in construction or property-related disciplineGCSE English and Maths (A*-C or 9–4) or equivalentA full UK driving licence, or willingness to actively work towards gaining one during your apprenticeshipPermanent right to work in the UKInterest in ecology and the environment, and enthusiasm for learning new skills in the field and officeWillingness to travel and stay away from home to conduct fieldworkWillingness to take ownership of your work and learn from experiencesFlexibility to work unsociable hours, including early mornings and evenings when surveys requireAble to communicate clearly and willing to develop your writing and speaking skillsApply 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.#ApprenticeJob2025 #EarlyCareersUK #ApprenticeshipUK #ApprenticeshipOpportunity 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 .
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 .
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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.
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