New

Sr Permitting Biologist

Dudek
United States, California, Encinitas
305 3rd Street (Show on map)
Jul 23, 2025
Location(s): Pasadena, La Quinta, Riverside, Mission Viejo, CA Practice/Department: Biology Work Environment: Hybrid Compensation: $150,000 - $165,000 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 Biologist and Regulatory Permitting Specialist to join our biological resources team. The ideal candidate will work directly with our clients to lead complex resource agency permitting multi-disciplinary projects across the southern California regions and assist with business development efforts in collaboration with current senior staff. We are also seeking someone with a strong mentality of mentoring to continue supporting our ever-growing team. This position will be a combination of both virtual and office based out of our Pasadena, Riverside, La Quinta or Orange County offices. Duties and Responsibilities Develop and implement permitting strategies for projects, ensuring alignment with project goals, schedules and budgets. Prepare various environmental documents, including CEQA-compliant documents, biological assessments and provide high-level oversight and review of Biological Technical Reports, Aquatic Resources Delineations and other technical documents. Provide high-level oversight and review on the compilation of permit applications for CDFW (LSAA 1600, ITP) RWQCB (CWA 401 Certification, WDR) USACE (Section 404 and 408). Lead Federal (USACE/USFWS) Section 7 and 10 consultations. Manage projects of varying complexity, including budgeting, scheduling and task allocation. Mentor junior staff and contribute to the development of the team. Support business development by identifying and securing new clients and projects. Build and maintain relationships with regulatory agencies, negotiate permit conditions and represent the clients in meetings with various stakeholders. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or related natural resources field. Must have a minimum of 20 years professional experience working in the environmental consulting, land use planning and/or resource/regulatory agency sector. Attention to detail, ability to work independently and as part of a team and strong written and oral communication skills. Must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Proven track-record of managing complex, multidisciplinary projects. Project management skills (working with clients, agency communication). Must possess a valid driver's license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment Preferred Qualifications Strong understanding of environmental regulations, permitting processes, and timelines. Familiarity with California vegetation communities, particularly wetland/aquatic types and systems. Expertise with biological resources impact analyses and mitigation identification/planning. Expertise with state and federal regulatory permitting processes, including laws regulated and enforced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Water Quality Control Boards, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Compensation: $150,000 - $165,000 annually* *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: 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 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. 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. 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. Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.