As-Needed Field Biologist - Junior Botanist

Location(s): California
Practice/Department: Biology
Work Environment: Field
Compensation: $25.00 - $30.00/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 as-needed/on-call entry-level botanists to perform resource inventories of vegetation communities and plant species, throughout California. These positions will support a variety of projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsibilities will consist primarily of fieldwork; vegetation mapping using A Manual of California Vegetation (second edition), habitat characterization for sensitive biological resources, plant species inventories, and special-status plant mapping.
• Supporting large-scale botanical surveys throughout California
• All work will be conducted under the guidance of Dudek staff, and complete background information and instructions will be provided for each project and site. Equipment needed for data collection may be provided by Dudek or biologists may use their own devices if it has the iOS operating system and cell service (i.e., iPhone and iPad)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in biological sciences, botany, wildlife, environmental sciences, or related field.
• 1– 3 years of experience with California and/or Nevada flora
• Familiarity with plant species identification using the Jepson Manual
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in challenging terrain and weather conditions
• Willingness to travel to project locations and stay overnight for multi-day field efforts
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with other field staff and communicate proactively with the project manager
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and an interest in learning plant species identification using a dichotomous key, such as the Jepson Manual
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Desire to learn from and collaborate with other biologists
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in challenging terrain and weather conditions as necessary
• Willingness to travel to project locations for multi-day field efforts
• Familiarity with use of GPS field equipment, Esri Field Maps and Esri ArcGIS Survey123

Compensation: $25.00-$30.00/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.