Senior Biologist

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

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. When it comes to environmental consulting, we’re focused on helping address the greatest challenges facing our planet—supporting resilient infrastructure, protecting sensitive natural resources, and enabling sustainable growth. We are seeking a Senior Biologist to lead and support biological resource and environmental compliance efforts across Southern California. In this role, you will apply your technical and regulatory expertise to plan, lead, and execute biological surveys and environmental permitting in support of transportation, utility, renewable energy, federal facilities, and public agency projects. A key aspect of this position is providing technical leadership for projects involving sensitive biological resources, including federally and state‑protected species, and guiding multidisciplinary teams to successful outcomes. Aligned with one of our Southern California offices (Irvine, San Diego, or Los Angeles), you will balance office‑based technical work with field leadership, mentoring staff, coordinating with regulatory agencies, and supporting clients through complex permitting and compliance pathways. This role offers opportunities for continued technical growth, task leadership, and project leadership within a collaborative and flexible work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in biological field surveys, impact assessments, and resource evaluations for a variety of projects throughout Southern California.
• Serve as a technical lead for projects involving federally and state‑listed and protected species.
• Prepare and review technical deliverables, including biological survey reports, technical memoranda, mitigation and monitoring plans, and environmental compliance documents.
• Support environmental compliance efforts under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Fish and Wildlife Code, Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 and Section 10 permitting, and applicable local regulations.
• Coordinate directly with regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and local jurisdictions.
• Develop avoidance, minimization, and mitigation strategies to support project planning and permitting success.
• Lead tasks, support project budgets and schedules, and contribute to client communication in coordination with project managers.
• Provide mentorship, training, and technical oversight to early‑career biologists and field staff.
• Support and champion Jacobs’ safety culture by following established safety procedures and field protocols.
• Act as a champion of Jacobs’ TogetherBeyond culture of inclusion, collaboration, and professional development.

Here’s what you’ll need

• 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 the following species and/or survey techniques:

Invertebrates

• Branchiopods
• California ESA candidate bumble bee species, including Crotch’s bumble bee
• Quino checkerspot butterfly

Fish

• Steelhead
• Native and nonnative fish identification
• Freshwater, estuarine, and marine environments
• Fish passage evaluations
• Survey techniques such as electrofishing, seining, hook and line, and fish traps
• Amphibians
• Arroyo toad
• California red‑legged frog
• Invasive species removal

Reptiles

• Blainville’s (coast) horned lizard
• Blunt‑nosed leopard lizard
• Coachella Valley fringed‑toed lizard
• Mojave desert tortoise
• Southwestern pond turtle
• Invasive species removal
• Snake handling

Birds

• Bald eagle
• Coastal California gnatcatcher (active USFWS Region 8 10(a)(1)(A) Recovery Permit)
• Golden eagle
• Least Bell’s vireo
• Light‑footed Ridgway’s rail
• Southwestern willow flycatcher
• Western burrowing owlWestern snowy plover
• Yellow‑billed cuckoo
• Yuma Ridgway’s rail
• Point counts
• Egg collection

Mammals

• Bats
• Los Angeles pocket mouse
• Mohave ground squirrel
• Stephens’ kangaroo rat

Technical and Leadership Experience

• Demonstrated experience conducting and leading biological surveys, impact evaluations, and environmental permitting efforts in Southern California.
• Strong technical writing skills, including preparation of biological reports and environmental compliance documentation.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations and permitting processes.
• Proven ability to lead tasks or small projects with a focus on quality, client service, schedule, and budget.
• Ability and willingness to perform fieldwork in variable terrain and weather conditions.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel for field assignments.

Ideally, You’ll Also Have

• Master’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting construction monitoring and biological compliance programs.
• Familiarity with Southern California ecosystems, land use planning, and regional conservation issues.
• Experience working on transportation or infrastructure projects involving wildlife crossings or habitat connectivity planning.
• Experience leading or supporting camera trap studies.

The base salary range for this position is $127,700.00 to $199,550.00; though will be paid hourly based on hours worked. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.