As-Needed Biologist

Who We Are

Dudek is a leading environmental, planning, and engineering firm that help public and private clients plan, design, and build projects that improve communities’ built and natural infrastructure.

Founded in 1980, Dudek has grown steadily to more than 800 professionals across the U.S. and received the Top Workplace Award for 2024.

As a 100% employee-owned company, Dudek’s culture rewards smart, productive team members with ownership, professional development, and financial benefits.

We seek creative, pragmatic problem-solvers working at the intersection of science, engineering, regulations, and multiple stakeholders’ interest to help clients achieve project goals.

We encourage collaboration, sustainability, and innovation.

At Dudek, we abide by shared values :

Trust :

We trust each other to use good judgment.

Respect :

We act professionally and treat each other fairly.

Teamwork :

We come together, share openly, and apply diverse perspectives.

Fun :

We take our work seriously not ourselves.

Well-Being

We care about each other’s health, safety, and total wellness.

Our culture is the foundation of who we are and how we work.

Learn more about our culture.

About The Job

We are seeking as-needed individuals that qualify as level II surveyors to lead protocol-level surveys for the state and federally listed endangered blunt-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia sila).

This position will be based in the Central Valley, California.

Per CDFW, an individual qualifies as a level II surveyor for BNLL if the following criteria are met :

• Surveyor has demonstrated the ability to distinguish BNLL from other common lizard species that may inhabit the area and has participated in at least 50 survey days for BNLL (or 25 survey days and a BNLL identification course recognized by / acceptable to CDFW).
• Surveyor has made at least one confirmed* field sighting of a BNLL
• Additionally, CDFW recommends that surveyor qualifications be submitted to CDFW for the assessment of surveyor level qualifications.

Learn more about the projects

you will have the opportunity to shape.

Who You Are

To thrive at Dudek, you should be comfortable with accountability, collaboration, flexibility while being a resourceful and independent thinker.

We look for curious, solution-focused people who can adapt quickly to an ever-changing industry. There is no single way to solve a problem, so we encourage innovation.

Duties and Responsibilities (may include some or all of the below) :

Ability to lead survey teams (of up to 3 other individuals) and communicate effectively to conduct BNLL surveys per CDFW protocol safely and efficiently.

Ability to tolerate hot temperatures and adverse weather conditions

Ability to walk long distances (between 1-10 miles) in full sun and hot temperatures.

Comfortable managing small teams and ensuring that all team members are surveying transect lines appropriately (for example proper pacing and spacing between team members).

Identify, record, and take notes of any species observed during surveys (general species training will be provided), and be confident identifying BNLL from other lizard species.

Ability to use an electronic device (smartphone / tablet) for communication and reporting purposes.

Comfortable with using and understanding digital mapping applications (such as Collector or Field Maps), as they are heavily relied on in the field for data collection.

Communicate survey progress and results to overall project manager or coordinator throughout the day and at end of day.

Ability to recognize when someone is showing signs of heat stress or heat stroke and take the necessary steps to mitigate harm / get them proper medical attention.

Ensure all members of team have proper PPE prior to start of work each day.

Follow all Dudek and project site safety protocols.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (or in-progress), Associate’s degree (or in-progress) or commensurate years of experience in biology, environmental science, or other related field is required.

Must demonstrate solid written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong time management skills.

Understanding of CDFW blunt-nosed leopard lizard survey protocol.

Flexibility with weather and survey conditions that can change rapidly in the field, and an understanding that it may affect how many hours can be surveyed in a day, week, or month.

Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and self-motivated with an interest to learn and grow.

Reliable vehicle is required to travel to project site (4WD not necessary).

Proof that qualifications have been sent to CDFW and they have approved person as a level II

Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by first day of employment.

As a federal contractor, successful candidates are required to pass the following pre-employment requirements prior to beginning employment : pre - employment drug test and background check.

Physical Requirements

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 which are based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, moving vehicles and equipment.

Physical Requirements :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met in order to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

This job may require working on a computer, sitting or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting.

This job requires attending meetings, both in person and virtually as well as speaking on the phone with government agency representatives, members of the public, and others.

Speaking, hearing and listening are required.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and 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.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Proposed Salary Range :

$30.01-$49.99 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.

Perks of Being a Dudekian

At Dudek we will provide you with a competitive salary in an environment that promotes growth, career development, and a flexible work life balance.

Dudek offers an array of benefits, from medical, dental, and vision coverage, to the discretionary bonuses, based on firmwide, divisional, and individual performance.

We also offer a yearly merit review, an employee stock ownership program, and dog friendly offices! To honor our key value of well-being, Dudek provides generous Paid Time Off (PTO) packages for both salaried and hourly employees.

If you’re tired of an overly bureaucratic decision-making process and want to be part of a work culture that puts its employees first, speak with your recruiter to learn more about the great perks of being a Dudekian.

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 an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

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