Senior Biologist - Wetland/Aquatic Resources

Dudek•California, CA

12d•$100,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Dudek’s journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California’s water and wastewater agencies. Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations , and we’ve been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards. Our employee-owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience. Learn more about our award-winning culture , the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape. Who You Are As an employee-owner , you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently. Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented , with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation . How You’ll Make an Impact 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 delineations and permitting; and work collaboratively with other Dudek staff based throughout our California offices. This position will necessitate both in-office and 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 12 years’ of experience preparing and focusing solely on aquatic delineations and identifying wetland mapping boundaries using the 1987 US Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements.
Expert-level knowledge of state and federal statutes, regulations, and permitting requirements relating to the Federal Clean Water Act, California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, and California Fish and Game Code
Expert-level knowledge of California aquatic resource types and systems; including disturbed and difficult sites in diverse environments (deserts, coasts, mountains, etc.)
Knowledge and applied experience with soil science
Demonstrated experience with management of projects involving complex biological/aquatic resource impact analyses and mitigation planning
Strong written and oral communication skills
Expert-level experience with GPS technologies (e.g, ESRI FieldMaps) for mapping aquatic resources
Willingness to travel throughout California for work, including over-night stays in hotels
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 and strong ability to work in a collaborative environment
Regarded as an expert in the field and sought out as an instructor and presenter by outside parties
Understanding of delineation process for two-parameter wetlands per California Coastal Commission
Strong customer service emphasis and solution-oriented project delivery approach
Conscientious and detail-oriented with demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail
Exercises good judgment and demonstrates sound decision-making skills

Responsibilities

Plan and lead aquatic resource delineations
Plan and lead collection of detailed field data, work in remote field locations, hike steep slopes over uneven terrain, and work full days in all types of weather
Prepare and oversee preparation of reports summarizing methodology, field survey results and recommendations
Prepare and oversee preparation of Aquatic Resources Delineation Reports
Prepare and oversee preparation of documents supporting environmental permit applications and CEQA/NEPA aquatic resources evaluations
Prepare scopes of work and cost estimates for aquatic resources delineation work
Manage technical projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely and efficient delivery
Lead, mentor, and support project teams with the goal of maximizing performance and efficiency in the field and with report writing
Mentor and train junior staff in collaboration with other senior staff
Participate in the development of guides and training materials
Represent Dudek and clients in agency meetings and public hearings as a subject matter expert for aquatic resource delineations and permitting
Track and keep abreast of regulatory and delineation protocol changes to ensure compliance with the latest requirements