Senior Biologist & Permitting Lead — PNW Hybrid

Jacobs; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 128,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Stock purchase program

Hybrid work policy

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Senior Biologist & Permitting Specialist to lead environmental permitting efforts across the Pacific Northwest, including WA and OR. You will supervise field surveys, coordinate with agencies, prepare regulatory documents, and mentor junior staff.

The role emphasizes NEPA/ESA compliance, interagency coordination, and business development within a collaborative team of biologists and environmental professionals. Hybrid work model offered.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science or related scientific discipline or technical field.
• 15+ years of environmental consulting or agency experience emphasizing aquatic resource delineations, endangered species act compliance, fish surveys and/or permitting.
• Knowledge of WA state and federal permitting programs (e.g., Clean Water Act, USACE 404/401).
• Ability to lead aquatic resource surveys with knowledge of PNW vegetation, soils and stream characteristics.
• Experience with stakeholder meetings and project management.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to assemble regulatory compliant environmental studies, reports, and permits (local, state, and federal).
• Lead fieldwork efforts (aquatic resources, habitat surveys) across WA and support projects in other PNW states.
• Assist with preparation of environmental documents for ESA compliance and NEPA-related work.
• Support proposal preparation, client maintenance, and business development activities.
• Prepare scopes of work and estimate levels of effort; lead projects as task lead or project manager.
• Mentor junior staff and maintain clear communication with clients and regulators.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Team mentorship

Field work

Interagency coordination

Travel willingness

GPS hardware

Education

BS or MS in Biology/Ecology/Environmental Science or related field

Tools

Handheld GPS equipment

Job description

Jacobs is seeking a Senior Biologist & Permitting Specialist to lead environmental permitting efforts across the Pacific Northwest, including WA and OR. You will supervise field surveys, coordinate with agencies, prepare regulatory documents, and mentor junior staff.

The role emphasizes NEPA/ESA compliance, interagency coordination, and business development within a collaborative team of biologists and environmental professionals. Hybrid work model offered.