Specialist Biologist

Specialist Biologist San Jose, California, United States Capabilities Environmental Office Setup Hybrid Job ID #37921 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. Your impact 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. Here's what you'll need • 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. Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock. The base salary range for this position is $173,500.00 to $271,050.00. 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. Job posted on April 06, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days. We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work. Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support. Locations City State Country San Jose California United States

Salary : $173,500 - $271,050