Lead Biologist — Field Surveys & Permitting (SoCal)

Jacobs; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 127,700 - 199,550; Full time

Job summary

Jacobs seeks a Senior Biologist to lead and support biological resource and environmental compliance across Southern California, including Irvine, San Diego, or Los Angeles. You will plan, lead, and execute biological surveys and environmental permitting for transportation, utility, renewable energy, and public agency projects, balancing field leadership with office tasks.

This role emphasizes technical leadership for federally and state-listed species, mentoring staff, coordinating with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field with a biological emphasis.
• Eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible experience as a professional biologist or environmental consultant.
• Permits or demonstrated experience with federally and state-listed species and survey techniques listed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in biological field surveys, impact assessments, and resource evaluations for projects in Southern California.
• Serve as a technical lead for projects involving federally and state-listed species.
• Prepare and review deliverables, including biological survey reports, technical memoranda, mitigation and monitoring plans, and environmental compliance documents.
• Support CEQA/NEPA permitting, California Fish and Wildlife Code, ESA, and local regulations.
• Coordinate with USFWS, CDFW, and local jurisdictions.
• Develop avoidance, minimization, and mitigation strategies for project planning.
• Lead tasks, support project budgets and schedules, and contribute to client communication.
• Provide mentorship and technical oversight to junior biologists and field staff.
• Support Jacobs’ safety culture and TogetherBeyond inclusive culture.

Skills

Biological field surveys

Environmental permitting

Technical writing

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Wildlife Biology/Ecology/Environmental Science

Job description

Jacobs seeks a Senior Biologist to lead and support biological resource and environmental compliance across Southern California, including Irvine, San Diego, or Los Angeles. You will plan, lead, and execute biological surveys and environmental permitting for transportation, utility, renewable energy, and public agency projects, balancing field leadership with office tasks.

This role emphasizes technical leadership for federally and state-listed species, mentoring staff, coordinating with