Specialist Biologist

When it comes to environmental consulting, Jacobs is focused on helping address the greatest challenges facing our planet, including infrastructure resilience, habitat conservation, and sustainable growth. We are seeking a Specialist level Biologist to support and lead wildlife biology efforts in California. In this role, you will apply your technical expertise in large mammal ecology—specifically mountain lions—to support environmental compliance, biological resource management, and conservation planning for a diverse set of clients. Projects may include transportation corridors, renewable energy, utility infrastructure, land development, and public agency programs. Your work will directly support informed decision making that balances development with protection of sensitive wildlife resources. Aligned to our San Jose office, you will lead and participate in field studies, impact assessments, and permitting strategies focused on mountain lion movement, habitat use, and human-wildlife interactions. You will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary project teams, regulatory agencies, and clients, contributing to high quality technical deliverables while supporting project schedules and budgets. This role offers a balance of office based technical work and field activities, with opportunities to grow as a technical specialist and project leader. Jacobs supports flexible work arrangements and fosters a culture that prioritizes safety, inclusion, and professional development. Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support mountain lion-focused biological studies, including habitat assessments, movement corridor evaluations, camera trap studies, GPS collar data interpretation, and mortality/road crossing analyses.
• Prepare technical reports and deliverables such as biological technical memoranda, wildlife survey reports, impact analyses, and mitigation and monitoring plans.
• Support environmental compliance efforts under California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, California Fish and Wildlife Code, and applicable local regulations.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies such as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and local jurisdictions.
• Develop avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures related to mountain lion impacts and habitat connectivity.
• Provide technical oversight and mentorship to junior biologists and field staff.
• Support client communication, task management, schedules, and budgets in collaboration with project managers.
• Champion Jacobs' safety culture by following established safety procedures and field protocols.
• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or a closely related field with an emphasis on wildlife ecology.
• Minimum 10+ years of progressively responsible experience as a professional biologist or wildlife consultant, including demonstrated experience with large mammal studies.
• Specialized experience with mountain lion ecology, behavior, habitat use, and/or conservation in Southern California or similar ecosystems.
• Strong technical writing skills with experience preparing biological reports and environmental compliance documentation.
• Working knowledge of CEQA, NEPA, and wildlife related permitting and consultation processes.
• Proven ability to lead tasks or small projects with a focus on quality, schedule, and client service.
• Ability and willingness to perform fieldwork in rugged terrain and variable weather conditions, including remote locations.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel for field assignments. Ideally, you'll also have:
• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or a related discipline.
• Experience with mountain lion GPS collar studies, camera trapping, genetic sampling, or wildlife movement modeling.
• Experience working on transportation or infrastructure projects involving wildlife crossings or habitat connectivity planning.
• Familiarity with Southern California ecosystems, land use issues, and current wildlife conservation challenges.
• Experience supporting construction monitoring or compliance programs related to sensitive wildlife species.

Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.