Lead Avian Biologist- Central California

Market

Environmental

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, we're focused on helping address the greatest challenges facing our planet-supporting resilient infrastructure, protecting sensitive natural resources, and enabling sustainable growth. We are seeking qualified Lead Avian Biologists to support implementation of an Avian Mortality and Monitoring Plan in Central California, with a focus in the Bakersfield region.

In this role, you will apply your technical and regulatory expertise to conduct field surveys, data analysis, and support regulatory compliance documentation to implement an avian plan.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee implementation of Avian Mortality and Monitoring Plan.
• Serve as Project Lead Biologist, responsible for overall program execution and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct avian field surveys, including bias trials, including searcher efficiency and carcass persistence studies.
• Supervise avian biologists conducting avian field surveys.
• Ensure all fieldwork and data collection meet agency protocol standards.
• Prepare and submit all required technical reports.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies including California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Kern County, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
• Provide quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) for all deliverables.
• Lead tasks, support project budgets and schedules, and contribute to client communication in coordination with project managers.
• Provide mentorship, training, and technical oversight to earlycareer biologists and field staff.
• Support and champion Jacobs' safety culture by following established safety procedures and field protocols.
• Act as a champion of Jacobs' TogetherBeyond culture of inclusion, collaboration, and professional development.

Here's what you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or closely related field.

• Demonstrated experience with avian fieldwork, including bird identification skills (visual and auditory).

• Demonstrated experience leading or supervising avian monitoring programs

• CDFW and USFWS approvable as Lead Avian Biologist

• Proven ability to:

• Identify a wide range of avian species

• Supervise field teams and ensure protocol compliance

• Conduct and oversee sampling surveys and bias trials

• Experience preparing technical reports submitted to regulatory agencies.

• Prior experience working with or coordinating with CDFW and USFWS.

• Strong understanding of avian monitoring methodology and regulatory expectations.

• Ability to work in rugged terrain and varying weather conditions.

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to field sites.

Ideally, You'll Also Have

• 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 working on transportation or infrastructure projects involving wildlife crossings or habitat connectivity planning.
• Experience leading or supporting camera trap studies.

Posted Salary Range: Minimum

105,800.00

Posted Salary Range: Upper

165,300.00

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 $105,800.00 to $165,300.00. 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 May 27, 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.