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Botanical Survey Lead
📍 Reading, England Hybrid Full-time Senior GBP 3,500–4,500/mo
About the Position
Jacobs is a global professional services firm delivering solutions for a more connected, sustainable world. Our UK ecology team is seeking a Botanical Survey Lead to manage and deliver botanical assessments for major infrastructure and development projects across England and Wales.
Responsibilities
- Lead NVC and Phase 1 habitat surveys for infrastructure and development projects
- Conduct rare plant surveys and assessments for protected species
- Manage and mentor junior botanists and ecological surveyors
- Prepare botanical chapters for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
- Provide expert botanical input to habitat management and biodiversity net gain calculations
- Liaise with Natural England, NRW, and local planning authorities
What You’ll Work On
You will lead botanical survey teams on nationally significant infrastructure projects including rail, highway, and energy schemes. The role combines extensive fieldwork during the survey season (April–September) with report writing, client liaison, and team development. Jacobs supports professional growth through funded CPD and opportunities to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
Requirements
- BSc/MSc in Botany, Ecology, or Environmental Science - FISC Level 4+ plant identification skills - 5+ years of professional botanical survey experience in the UK - Experience leading NVC (National Vegetation Classification) surveys - Full UK driving license - Membership of CIEEM (or eligibility to join)
What They Offer
- Flexible hybrid working arrangements - 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays - Private medical insurance - Professional development budget and CIEEM membership funded - Pension with employer contribution - Season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
