The firm has a history of working in New Zealand that dates back to the founding of Jacobs Associates in 1954. One of its first New Zealand contracts was a consulting assignment for Fletcher Construction on diversion tunnels for the Ohakuri Dam on the North Island. Other notable assignments in New Zealand include dispute resolution on the Clyde Dam and a tunnel feasibility study for the West Valley Sewer Project in Wellington.

The company said that the expansion will help the firm better provide tunnel and underground engineering for hydroelectric water supply, wastewater, rail, highway, and other transportation projects in the New Zealand market, while strengthening the firm’s local presence and commitment to its ongoing projects.

This is the second Jacob's office in Australasia, with a Melbourne office which was opened in 2008.