Environmental Scientist / Watershed Scientist

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a lead scientist for fieldwork, overseeing watershed monitoring, hydrologic assessments, water quality evaluations, and/or compliance inspections.
• Coordinates work efforts of junior and mid-level scientists, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and adherence to scientific protocols and regulatory standards.
• Stays actively informed about industry trends, scientific advancements, and regulatory updates, positioning the company as a leader in watershed science.
• Develops creative, science-based solutions for complex technical or policy challenges related to water resource management.
• Provides critical analysis of complex datasets, integrating field data, hydrologic modeling, remote sensing, and geographic information Systems (GIS)-based analysis to inform decision-making.
• Leads preparation of comprehensive reports, permit applications, and compliance documentation for medium- to large-scale watershed management projects.
• Oversees environmental impact assessments, water quality monitoring programs, and regulatory compliance strategies.
• Advises on Clean Water Act (CWA), National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), total maximum daily load (TMDL), and other state and federal regulations related to water resources.
• Communicates with clients, public agencies, and regulators to address compliance issues, permitting requirements, and policy considerations.
• Serves in lead roles for field investigations, ensuring projects meet technical objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Manages multiple project components, balancing budgets, schedules, and technical deliverables.
• Supports project proposals by developing scopes of work, budgets, and schedules for technical studies and watershed restoration initiatives.
• Works with engineers, planners, and ecologists to integrate watershed science into restoration design and management plans.
• Communicates complex scientific findings to clients, community members, and regulatory agencies through presentations, reports, and public meetings.
• Represents the company at professional conferences, workshops, and industry events, contributing to thought leadership and business development.
• Supports business development efforts by identifying new opportunities, partnerships, and funding sources for watershed science projects.
• Mentors junior and mid-level staff, fostering professional growth in watershed science, hydrology, and regulatory compliance.
• Conducts internal training sessions to improve data collection, analysis techniques, and regulatory knowledge among team members.
• Oversees QA/QC processes for scientific reports, field methodologies, and technical deliverables.

Requirements

• Experience: 12+ years’ experience in Stormwater permitting, watershed science, water quality monitoring.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Ecology, Geology, Water Resources, or a related field.
• Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree (preferred) in Watershed Science, Aquatic Ecology, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in regulatory permitting, hydrologic modeling, or watershed restoration planning.
• Aquatic bioassessment sampling and/or stormwater quality certification(s).
• Proficiency in GIS, statistical analysis, remote sensing, and water quality modeling tools.
• Strong track record of mentoring and developing junior staff.
• Experience in developing technical scopes of work, cost estimates, and compliance documentation.

Qualifications

• Established professional network within the watershed science and regulatory community.

Skills

• Technical leadership and industry expertise.
• Regulatory compliance and permitting.
• Project oversight and strategic planning.
• Client and public engagement.
• Mentorship and staff development.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

$110,000 - $140,000/annually*

Schedule

Hybrid