As-Needed Field Biologist - Mid-Level Botanist

Position Overview

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.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Leading and supporting large-scale botanical surveys throughout California.
• Conducting vegetation mapping using A Manual of California Vegetation (second edition).
• Habitat characterization for sensitive biological resources.
• Plant species inventories.
• Special-status plant mapping.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in biological sciences, botany, wildlife, environmental sciences, or related field.
• 4 – 8 years of experience with California and/or Nevada flora.
• Proficient 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 plant species identification using a dichotomous key, such as the Jepson Manual.
• Experience conducting rare plant surveys throughout California.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Experience with data management in the field.
• Experience conducting long-term monitoring for vegetation communities and/or special-status plants.
• Experience conducting vegetation mapping.
• Experience with use of handheld GPS devices and field collection applications, such as Esri Field Maps, Survey123, etc.
• Familiarity with California riparian and wetland types.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in challenging terrain and weather conditions as necessary.
• Willingness to travel to project locations for multi-day field efforts.

Compensation

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

• 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.