Overview
Location(s): Texas
Practice/Department: Biological
Work Environment: Remote
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.
Position Overview
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 experienced Biologist to join our biological resources team. The successful candidate will help grow Dudek’s biological resources; manage and implement a wide variety of projects involving sensitive biological resources, with a focus on supporting aquatic resource permitting; and work collaboratively with other Dudek staff based out of our northern and southern California offices. This position will be a mix of technical writing, project management, and on occasion, field-based work in California.
Duties And Responsibilities
- Independently manage moderately complex permitting tasks and small-to-mid scale projects, including scheduling, budgeting, client coordination, and quality control.
- Leads in the preparation and management of Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 permit applications, including Individual Permits, Nationwide Permits and Regional General Permits for moderately complex projects.
- Leads in the 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 for moderately complex projects.
- Leads in preparation and management of California Department of Fish and Game Code Section 1602 Lake and Streambed Alterations Agreement applications, including submittal and tracking via EPIMS for moderately complex projects.
- Responds to information requests from agencies, negotiates permit conditions and supports agency consultation and site visits for moderately complex projects.
- Coordinates with agencies on routine matters; but escalates complex issues to senior regulatory specialist staff appropriately.
- Applies established agency guidance and regulatory frameworks to project work; seeks input on complex interpretations.
- Prepares and oversees preparation of Aquatic Resources Delineation Reports.
- Mentors junior and mid-level staff and assist in building staff proficiency in practice-wide technical skills related to permitting.
- Leads pre-application meetings for simple to moderately complex projects with agencies and assists senior regulatory specialist staff on pre-application meetings for highly complex projects.
- Leads proposal preparation for small to mid-sized projects, including drafting technical sections and supporting preparation of scopes and costs.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, botany, environmental science or related natural resources field.
- A minimum of 8 years of experience in biological resource consulting (or equivalent experience in a regulatory agency setting) with increasing levels of responsibility.
- Proven experience managing permitting tasks or projects, including client communication, deliverable oversight, budgeting support, invoicing, scheduling, task tracking and general team coordination.
- Knowledge and understanding of field and data analysis techniques used to map and assess wetland and water features potentially jurisdictional under the federal Clean Water Act and state regulatory requirements.
- Knowledge of state and federal statutes, regulations, and permitting requirements relating to aquatic resources, in particular, the federal Clean Water Act.
- Attention to detail, ability to work independently and as part of a team, and strong written and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrated skill in interpreting agency guidance.
- Good judgment and sound decision-making skills.
- Willingness to travel for work, including overnight stays in hotels.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by first day of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in biology, ecology, botany, environmental science or related natural resources field.
- Familiarity with ArcGIS and data collection methodology
- Ability to influence/negotiate with agencies and engages with senior regulatory specialist staff on high‑stakes interpretations.
- Expert-level knowledge of California aquatic resource types and systems.
- Strong customer service emphasis and solution-oriented project delivery approach.
Working Conditions
- This job operates in a remote or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc.
- This job requires occasional project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:
- Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting.
- Employees must be capable of bending, squatting, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 35 lbs. unassisted; 50lbs in a team lift (two or more employees).
- This job requires attending meetings, both in person and virtually as well as speaking on the phone with government agency representatives, members of the public, and others. Speaking, hearing and listening are required.
- Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
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Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair and equitable processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination.
Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Dudek’s operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek’s commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action.
Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.
