Senior Biologist & Permitting Specialist

About the Role

Jacobs is seeking a Senior Biologist & Permitting Specialist to join our dynamic and supportive team, providing leadership and support for public and private sector infrastructure projects in Washington State and throughout the Pacific Northwest region. This role involves collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to deliver transformative projects, from fish passage and wetland restoration to energy, water, transportation, and sustainability initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to assemble regulatory-compliant environmental studies, reports, and permits, including local, state, and federal authorizations.
• Lead fieldwork efforts for aquatic resource, habitat, and vegetation surveys in WA and other PNW states, following state and federal protocols.
• Assist with preparation of environmental documents for compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), including Environmental Assessments (EA) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS).
• Support proposal preparation, client maintenance, and business development activities.
• Prepare scopes of work and estimate levels of effort for task completion.
• Maintain communication with clients, regulatory agencies, local government officials, employees, and subcontractors.
• Provide management support and mentor junior-level environmental staff.

Requirements

• BS or MS in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• 15+ years of environmental consulting or agency experience, with expertise in aquatic resource delineations, ESA compliance, fish surveys, and permitting.
• Knowledge of WA state and federal permitting programs, including the Clean Water Act and USACE 404/401 wetland permitting process.
• Ability to lead aquatic resource surveys, with strong knowledge of PNW vegetation, soils, wetland community types, and stream characteristics.
• Experience with handheld GPS equipment and software.
• Project management or environmental task lead experience.
• Ability to work in a team environment, mentor junior staff, and handle multiple project assignments with strict deadlines.
• Willingness to travel and work outdoors in adverse conditions.

Qualifications

• WSDOT Biological Senior Author Certification (preferred).
• NEPA/SEPA experience (preferred).
• Certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist from the Society of Wetland Scientists (preferred).
• Demonstrated stakeholder relationship skills.

Skills

• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to succeed in a fast-paced consulting environment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
• 401(k) plan and discounted company stock purchase option.
• Unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) for full-time salaried/exempt employees.
• Seven paid holidays and caregiver leave.
• Eligibility for merit increases, performance bonuses, and stock rewards.

Pay

The base salary range for this position is $127,700.00 to $223,500.00. Individual pay is determined by work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Schedule

Hybrid working policy, allowing employees to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations.

Job posted on September 22, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.