Environmental Biologist - Santa Cruz

Location(s): Northern CA (Santa Cruz/Oakland)Practice/Department: BiologicalWork Environment: HybridCompensation: $27.50-33.50/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 beenrecognized by leading industry organizations, andwe’vebeen 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 ouraward-winning culture, thebenefits and perksof being aDudekian, and theprojectsyou will have the opportunity to shape.Who You AreAs anemployee-owner, you embrace accountability, working safely, andcollaborationwhile thinking resourcefully and independently.Like allDudekians, you are curious andsolution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit ofinnovation.How You’ll Make an ImpactDudek is currently seeking full-time entry-level Biologists to join our biological resources team. The successful candidate will assist our team in conducting a variety of field surveys, primarily focused on biological resource field assessments and impact evaluations. Project work can occur throughout the state of California. Overnight and out-of-region travel may be necessary. This position will necessitate in-office and field-based work and may be based out of any of the following offices: Santa Cruz or OaklandDuties and Responsibilities Duties and responsibilities for this position may include but are not limited to:Conducting a variety of general and focused biological resource field surveys and assessments;Assisting with the preparation of biological reports and biological resource sections of environmental documents;Minimum RequirementsMust have a minimum of 1 year of professional experience working in the environmental consulting, land use planning and/or resource/regulatory agency sector. Substantial academic research (e.g., senior thesis or joint publication with faculty), or biology-focused extracurricular involvement may be considered in lieu of one full year of professional experience; Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or related natural resources field; Ability to conduct fieldwork in challenging terrain and challenging weather conditions;Attention to detail; Ability to work independently and as part of a team with strong written and oral communication skills;Familiarity with the ecology of California and environmental regulations;Familiarity with MS Office Suite.Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by first day of employment.Preferred QualificationsExperience with field identification of common and special-status wildlife and plant species endemic to California and the western U.S.Project and task management skills: general logistics, budgeting, scheduling, team coordination, and client / contractor / stakeholder communication;Familiarity with use of GPS field equipment, Esri Field Maps and Esri ArcGIS Survey123.Compensation: $27.50-33.50/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 ConditionsThis joboperatesin a remote or office-basedenvironmentand this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc.This job requires occasional project site visits, basedoutdoorswhich can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment.Physical RequirementsThe 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 forlong periodsof time in an office or remote office setting.Employees must be capable of bending, squatting, climbing ladders, andlifting upto 35 lbs. unassisted; 50lbs in a team lift (two or more employees).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,hearingand listening arerequired.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.Connect with us!?LinkedIn?Instagram▶️YouTube?Dudek Talent CommunityDudek 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 andequitableprocesses, 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 lawsprovidingequal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to allpersonsinvolved 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.

Created: 2026-05-02