Senior Project Manager

Dudek; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

Recognition awards

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm is seeking a Senior Project Manager to join their biological resources team in California. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in aquatic resource management and project oversight. Responsibilities include leading project teams, managing water quality permits, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. This role offers a hybrid working environment with competitive compensation of $160,000 to $190,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 20 years of experience in aquatic resource management, sampling, evaluation, and permitting work.
• Expert-level knowledge of state and federal statutes and regulations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of aquatic resource/water quality experts.
• Manage technical projects from inception to completion.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Leadership

Water Quality Expertise

Project Management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, botany, environmental science or related field

Master’s or PhD degree (preferred)

Tools

Water quality sampling equipment

Job description

Base Pay Range

$160,000.00/yr - $190,000.00/yr

Location

California

Practice/Department

Biological

Internal Title

Senior Project Manager

Work Environment

Hybrid

Compensation

$160,000-190,000 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. 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 Project Manager to join our biological resources team. The successful candidate will help grow Dudek’s biological resources practice; with a focus on aquatic resource management and permitting; and work collaboratively with other Dudek staff based throughout our California offices. This position will necessate both in-office and field-based work and can be located out of any of our California offices.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead/supervise a team of aquatic resource/water quality experts;
• Plan and lead aquatic resource invasive species evaluations;
• 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 a team’s preparation of reports summarizing methodology, field survey results and recommendations;
• Prepare and oversee a team’s preparation and negotiation of Water Quality permit applications;
• Prepare and oversee a team’s preparation of documents supporting environmental permit applications and CEQA/NEPA aquatic resources evaluations;
• Manage/oversee the operation of a water quality testing laboratory;
• Prepare scopes of work and cost estimates for aquatic resource evaluation work;
• Manage technical projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely and efficient delivery;
• Supervise, lead, mentor, and support project teams with the goal of maximizing performance and efficiency in the field and with report writing and permitting;
• Supervise, mentor and train junior staff in collaboration with other principal and/or senior staff;
• Participate in the development of guides, training materials and lead trainings;
• Represent Dudek and clients in agency meetings and public hearings and with stakeholder groups;
• Track and keep abreast of regulatory 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 20 years’ of experience with emphasis on aquatic resource management, sampling, evaluation and permitting work;
• Leadership experience and strong ability to work in a collaborative environment;
• 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 engineered environments;
• Knowledge and applied experience with aquatic systems;
• Demonstrated experience with long‑term client relationship management and successful business development with emphasis on utility providers and habitat management and similar entities in Northern California;
• Knowledge and applied experience with soil science;
• Demonstrated experience with management of projects involving complex biological/aquatic resource impact analyses and mitigation planning;
• Demonstrated experience and advising agencies on decisions related to permitting, agency interactions/negotiations, and multi‑year resource management and stewardship projects and programs;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Expert-level experience with water quality sampling equipment and techniques;
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD degree in biology, ecology, botany, limnology, environmental science or related natural resources field;
• Regarded as an expert in the field and sought out as an instructor and presenter by outside parties;
• Strong client 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.

Working Conditions

Environment

• 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 may also require occasional project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles or boats and equipment.
• This job may require safely working with clients around hazards commonly encountered in resource management settings.
• Work may be conducted in or around water bodies or engineered water conveyance, treatment or storage systems.

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).
• Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc.
• Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.