Senior Biologist

Senior Biologist – Southern California Position Overview: Lead and support biological resource and environmental compliance efforts across Southern California. Apply technical and regulatory expertise to plan, execute biological surveys, and oversee environmental permitting for transportation, utility, renewable energy, federal facilities, and public agency projects. Provide technical leadership for projects involving federally and state‑protected species, guiding multidisciplinary teams to successful outcomes. Location: Irvine, San Diego, or Los Angeles. Balance office‑based technical work with field leadership, mentoring staff, coordinating with regulatory agencies, and supporting clients through complex permitting and compliance pathways. Key Responsibilities Lead and participate in biological field surveys, impact assessments, and resource evaluations. Serve as technical lead for projects involving federally and state‑listed and protected species. Prepare and review technical deliverables, including reports, memoranda, mitigation and monitoring plans, and environmental compliance documents. Support environmental compliance under CEQA, NEPA, California Fish and Wildlife Code, ESA Section 7 and 10, and applicable local regulations. Coordinate directly with regulatory agencies such as USFWS, 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. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field with a biological emphasis. Eight or more years of progressively responsible experience as a professional biologist or environmental consultant. Permits or demonstrated experience with key species and survey techniques (see below). 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. Preferred Experience 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 on transportation or infrastructure projects involving wildlife crossings or habitat connectivity planning. Experience leading or supporting camera trap studies. Species and Survey Techniques Expertise 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 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; Golden eagle; Least Bell’s vireo; Light‑footed Ridgway’s rail; Southwestern willow flycatcher; Western burrowing owl; Western 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; Conducting and leading biological surveys, impact evaluations, and environmental permitting efforts in Southern California. Salary and Benefits Base salary range: $127,700.00 to $199,550.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Health, dental, vision, and basic life insurance; 401(k) plan; opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount; unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO); seven paid holidays; caregiver leave; eligibility for merit increases, discretionary bonuses, and stock for certain roles. EEO Statement 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. Job Status Job posted on May 12, 2026. This position is open for at least 3 days. #J-18808-Ljbffr