Biologist & Environmental Permitting Lead

Jacobs is hiring a mid- to senior-level Biologist & Environmental Permitting Lead in Portland, OR. The role involves collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on environmental plans and permits for infrastructure projects in Western WA. Candidates should have a BS/MS in a related field, 8+ years of environmental consulting experience, and strong permitting knowledge. Responsibilities include client communication, proposal preparation, and team management.
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

Jacobs’ Bellevue office is seeking a mid- to senior-level Biologist & Environmental Permitting Lead to join the Pacific Northwest Ecosystem Restoration, Science and Planning (ERS&P) team. Our dynamic interdisciplinary team includes biologists, environmental planners, cultural resources experts, geomorphologists, stream restoration engineers who provide leadership and support for public and private sector infrastructure projects primarily in Western WA. At Jacobs, we see our job as more than environmental consulting – we are helping our clients secure our world’s natural resources. Together, our team helps deliver some of the most exciting and transformative infrastructure projects in the region, from fish passage to wetland and stream mitigation, to sustainability initiatives and more.

Key responsibilities of this position include
• Collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams of engineers, biologists, planners, and other professionals to assemble regulatory compliant environmental plans, reports, and permits.
• Maintaining excellent communication with clients, regulatory agencies and local government officials, employees, subcontractors.
• Supporting proposal preparation, client relations, and business development.
• Providing inclusive management and fostering career growth of entry-to-mid environmental staff.

Here's what you'll need
• BS or MS in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science or related scientific discipline or technical field.
• 8+ years in environmental consulting, including 5+ years in Washington State and 3+ years as environmental permitting task lead or project manager for complex transportation and/or water infrastructure projects.
• Experience completing local, state, and federal permitting (i.e., Clean Water Act Section 401/402/404, Endangered Species Act, SEPA, Critical Areas, and Shoreline permitting.
• Proven ability to lead aquatic resource surveys with strong knowledge of PNW vegetation, soils, wetland community types, and stream characteristics.
• Demonstrated successful team player with experience mentoring staff and building inclusive teams.

Ideally, you’ll also have
• Experience with multiple project delivery methods, including traditional design-bid-build and progressive design-build.
• Certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist from the Society of Wetland Scientists.
• Familiarity with common construction impacts to wetlands, wildlife, and fisheries resources.
• Ability to travel as needed for project assignments and pursuits.
• Biology and/or permitting experience in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, or Hawai’i.