Senior Environmental Biologist / Project Manager - Wetland Delineator

Dudek Habitat Restoration; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Dudek Habitat Restoration is seeking a full-time senior-level Biologist for their biological resources team in California. The role involves planning aquatic resource delineations and managing environmental permit applications. Candidates should have extensive experience in aquatic delineations, strong communication skills, and the flexibility to work in various field conditions.

This position offers a competitive salary of $100,000-150,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications. Dudek values a diverse and inclusive workforce, fostering an environment where employees can thrive.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years’ experience in aquatic delineations.
• Expert-level knowledge of California aquatic resource types.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with auto insurance.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead aquatic resource delineations.
• Manage technical projects ensuring timely delivery.
• Mentor junior staff and participate in training development.

Skills

Expert-level knowledge of state and federal statutes

Strong written and oral communication skills

Expert-level experience with GPS technologies

Knowledge and applied experience with soil science

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, botany, environmental science

Master’s degree in relevant field (preferred)

Tools

ESRI FieldMaps

Job description

Overview

Location(s): Southern California Practice/Department: Biological Work Environment: Hybrid Compensation: $100,000-150,000/annually*

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.

Position Overview

Who You Are

As an employee‑owner you embrace accountability, work safely, and collaborate 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.

Duties and 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, botany, environmental science or related natural resources field;
• A minimum of 12 years’ 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 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;
• 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.

Compensation: $100,000-150,000/annually*

*Final agreed‑upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre‑employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment.

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 out 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; 50 lbs 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 required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Outdoor activity may involve walking/trekking in uneven terrain over long distances in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.