Senior Biologist - Santa Cruz

Dudek; Monterey (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a senior-level Biologist to enhance its biological resources team. This role offers the opportunity to manage impactful projects in the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay region, focusing on botanical surveys and aquatic delineations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in biological resource management and project oversight, with a passion for conservation and sustainability. Join a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation, and take part in shaping the future of environmental management while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work culture.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Stock Ownership

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Qualifications

• 12+ years in biological resource consulting with project management experience.
• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations and permitting processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead field data collection and biological surveys in various locations.
• Manage projects from start to finish, ensuring timely delivery.

Skills

Biological Resource Management

Project Management

Communication Skills

Field Data Collection

Flora Identification

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Master's degree in related fields

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Who We Are

Dudek is a leading environmental, planning, and engineering firm that helps public and private clients plan, design, and build projects to improve communities' built and natural infrastructure. Founded in 1980, Dudek has grown to over 800 professionals across the U.S. and received the Top Workplace Award for 2024.

As a 100% employee-owned company, Dudek's culture rewards smart, productive team members with ownership, professional development, and financial benefits. We seek creative, pragmatic problem-solvers working at the intersection of science, engineering, regulations, and stakeholder interests to help clients achieve project goals. We encourage collaboration, sustainability, and innovation.

Our Values

• Trust: We trust each other to use good judgment.
• Respect: We act professionally and treat each other fairly.
• Teamwork: We come together, share openly, and apply diverse perspectives.
• Fun: We take our work seriously...not ourselves.
• Well-Being: We care about each other's health, safety, and total wellness.

Our Culture and Programs

Our culture is the foundation of who we are and how we work. We empower our employee-owners to invest in our communities and themselves through initiatives such as:

• DuGreen: Sustainability initiative to improve our environmental footprint.
• DuGood: Philanthropic efforts supporting local communities through fundraising, donations, and volunteer days.
• eDUcate: Educational outreach to foster interest in environmental and engineering careers.
• DuWell: Wellness education and resources.

Inclusivity and Diversity

We value different perspectives, inclusivity, trust, and belonging. Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) support underrepresented employees and allies, including:

• Women at Dudek
• Members of the LGBTQ+ community
• BIPOC employees
• Disabled employees

Learn more about our culture.

About The Job

Dudek is seeking a full-time senior-level Biologist to join our biological resources team. The successful candidate will help grow our biological resources practice in the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay region, manage projects involving biological resources (especially botanical surveys and aquatic delineations), and collaborate with staff across California offices. The role involves both in-office and field work based out of Santa Cruz.

Projects

Contribute to impactful projects shaping biological resource management and conservation.

Who You Are

You should be accountable, collaborative, flexible, resourceful, and independent. We value curiosity, solution-focus, adaptability, and innovation.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead detailed field data collection in remote locations, including hiking steep slopes and working in various weather conditions.
• Identify California flora to species/subspecies/variety.
• Lead surveys for rare, threatened, and endangered species.
• Conduct vegetation, invasive species, habitat assessments, and aquatic resource delineations.
• Prepare reports on methodology, survey results, and recommendations.
• Manage projects from start to finish, ensuring timely delivery.
• Mentor and support project teams and junior staff.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, botany, environmental science, or related field.
• At least 12 years of experience in biological resource consulting or similar in a regulatory setting, including 6 years of project management and supervision.
• Extensive knowledge of relevant statutes, regulations, and permitting processes.
• Experience managing biological impact analyses, species studies, and mitigation planning.
• Strong communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite.
• Willingness to travel, including overnight stays.
• Valid driver's license and active insurance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related fields.
• Expertise in local plant species and aquatic systems.
• Wildlife identification and impact evaluation skills.
• Leadership skills and collaborative mindset.
• Customer service orientation and attention to detail.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Includes office work, field site visits, and outdoor activities under various weather conditions. Vision and communication skills required.

Salary and Benefits

Proposed salary range: $90,000 - $150,000, based on experience and qualifications. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, bonuses, stock ownership, PTO, and more.

Equal Opportunity

Dudek is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All positions are U.S.-based and require work authorization.