Senior Biologist / Water Regulatory Permitting Specialist

Dudek•, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Dudek is currently seeking a full-time senior-level Biologist to join our biological resources team. The successful candidate will help grow Dudek’s biological resources practice with a focus on aquatic resource permitting, and work collaboratively with other Dudek staff based throughout our California offices. This position will include primarily in-office work with occasional field-based work and can be located out of any of our California offices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, botany, environmental science or related natural resources field.
A minimum of 8 years’ of experience in aquatic resource permitting.
Demonstrated, hands-on experience with CWA Section 401 and 404, State Porter-Cologne Waste Discharge Requirements, Fish and Game Code Section 1600 et seq. permitting processes.
Demonstrated experience coordinating directly with USACE, SWRCB/RWQCB, CDFW, and USFWS.
Strong, trust‑based relationships with federal, state, and local resource agencies to support effective project coordination, streamline permitting pathways, and ensure transparent, solution‑oriented communication throughout all phases of project development.
Experience in the integration of current environmental regulations into permitting process.
Ability to manage permitting tasks in a fast-paced consulting environment, including developing the budget, managing the budget, and preparing change orders with the client.
Attention to detail, ability to work independently and as part of a team and strong written and oral communication skills
Excellent technical writing, communication, and organizational skills.
Conscientious and detail-oriented with demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail
Exercises good judgment and demonstrates sound decision-making skills.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by first day of employment

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in biology, ecology, botany, environmental science or related natural resources field.
Leadership skills and strong ability to work in a collaborative environment.
Completion of 40-hour Wetland Delineation course.
Relevant certifications (e.g., Professional Wetland Scientist).
Demonstrated, in‑depth knowledge of biological resources, including regional species, habitat types, and key conservation and regulatory issues.
Experience contributing to scopes of work for a range of aquatic resource permitting efforts, either as components of larger multidisciplinary efforts or standalone tasks.

Responsibilities

Leads preparation and management of Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 permit applications, including Individual Permits, Nationwide Permits and Regional General Permits.
Leads preparation and management of CWA Section 401 Water Quality Certification and Waste Discharge Requirements applications with the State Water Resources Control Board and applicable Regional Water Quality Control Boards.
Leads preparation and management of Fish and Game Section 1602 Lake and Streambed Alterations Agreement applications, including submittal and tracking via EPIMS.
Coordinates with lead regulatory specialist on responding to information requests, negotiating permit conditions and supporting agency consultation and site visits.
Coordinates with agencies on routine issues; complex negotiations are escalated.
Manages permitting tasks including financial management; escalates novel or high‑risk issues to senior staff.
Coordinates closely with engineers, planners, biologists, cultural resources specialists, and clients to integrate permitting requirements into project design and permitting strategies.
Independently reviews complex aquatic resource delineations and is able to resolve routine jurisdictional questions in accordance with USACE Wetlands Delineation, applicable Regional Supplements, and State wetlands permits.
Reviews Aquatic Resource Delineation Reports to confirm agencies’ jurisdiction.
Coordinates and attends pre-application and agency verification field meetings with USACE, RWQCB, and CDFW.
Provides basic technical guidance and mentorship to junior biologists, ensuring high-quality technical writing and fieldwork.
Assists with technical sections of proposals and scopes and supports the preparation of materials for interviews.
Supports permitting tasks of varying levels of complexity, including assisting with budgeting, invoicing, scheduling and task allocation.