<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23(a)
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. 1999 Outside Director Stock
Plan of our report dated November 3, 1999, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements of Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. included in its Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended September 30, 1999, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Ernst & Young LLP
June 8, 2000
