Apprentice Ecologist

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.
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
An apprenticeship with Jacobs may be right for you
We are excited to be looking for an Ecologist apprentice to join our Reading office. Want to know what it’s like to be an apprentice working at Jacobs? Meet our UK apprentices
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.
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.
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.
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
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. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. 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. 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 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 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 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.
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 .