As-Needed Field Biologist

Location(s): California
Practice/Department: Biology
Work Environment: Field
Compensation: $24.00 - $45.00/hourly*

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 employees 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 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 seeking early-career to mid-level professionals to provide as-needed biological surveys. This position will be based at project sites within California. The Candidate would have demonstrated expertise in a specific environmental resource area including but not limited to surveying for biological and aquatic resources and environmental monitoring. 

Duties and Responsibilities  

• Work collaboratively with other Dudek staff and subconsultants to conduct field studies/surveys, including but not limited to the following:
  • Vegetation mapping and habitat characterizations
  • General botanical surveys and inventories
  • Focused surveys and/or habitat assessments for special-status plant and wildlife species
  • Aquatic resource delineations pursuant to federal and state requirements to support regulatory permit applications

• Record and take notes of any observations on a Dudek electronic platform to be used for reporting purposes.
• Follow all Dudek and project site safety protocols.
• Travel to Project sites located throughout California.
• Hike long distances in potentially inclement weather/heat and rough terrain.
• Apply a high level of attention to detail and work independently and as a part of a team.
• Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, or other related field; OR a minimum of 1-3 years demonstrated field experience in biological resource management and surveying
• Knowledge of and ability to identify California wildlife and/or plant species
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment

Preferred Qualifications 

• Highly organized with the ability to multi-task.
• Possess sound judgement and able to “think on your feet”.
• Self-motivated with an interest in learning and growing as a project team.
• Understanding of and familiarity with environmental regulations and permits.
• Scientific Collecting Permit from California Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Agency-Qualified biologist to survey and monitor for special-status wildlife and plant species, including for nesting birds.
• Experience executing species-specific survey protocols.
• Experience identifying common and rare plant species and/or using dichotomous keys to identify plants.
• Demonstrate strong oral communication skills and demonstrated responsiveness.

Compensation: $24.00-$45.00/hourly* 

*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 an outdoor or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc. 
• This job requires 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). 

• 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.
• Outdoor activity may involve walking/trekking in uneven terrain over long distances in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time.

Connect with us! 

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🤝Dudek Talent Community 

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.  

*As-needed and part-time employees are eligible for our 401(k) plan, sick leave, and our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). As-needed and part-time employees have the option of additional benefits like medical benefits and ESOP participation provided they meet minimum hours worked during the 12-month look back measurement period.  Speak with your recruiter to learn more.  

Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.