The As-Needed Coastal Scientist will support coastal project planning and design, preparing reports, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and conducting field work under varying conditions.
Location(s): California
Practice/Department: Habitat Restoration
Internal Title: As-Needed Coastal Scientist
Work Environment: Hybrid
Compensation: $30-$40 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 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.
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 AreAs an employee 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 ImpactWe are currently seeking a self-motivated individual with proven experience in coastal science to join our Habitat Restoration Team. This position will have professional growth and career advancement opportunities as well as expanded responsibilities consistent with the recipient’s skills and motivations.
This is a variable-hour role.Duties and Responsibilities
- Support the planning and design of a wide range of coastal projects, including ecosystem restoration, coastal flood and erosion management, and sea level rise adaptation planning.
- Provide quality work products ensuring high standards in design and documentation.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—geotechnical, structural, hydraulic engineers, landscape architects, biologists, and more—to advance integrated, nature-based solutions from concept through construction.
- Thrive in a fast-paced consulting environment managing multiple priorities and deadlines independently or as part of a team.
- Prepare written technical reports including site assessments and monitoring reports for coastal projects.
- Perform observations of project implementation/construction and prepare punch list field reports for projects.
- B.A. or B.S. in Environmental Science, Earth System Science, Biology, Coastal Engineering, or other applicable environmental field with strong coastal background.
- 2+ years of professional experience in coastal science and habitat restoration
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to draft and edit technical documents.
- Able to conduct strenuous field work in hot weather (over 100 F) and in steep terrain conditions. Work may involve assignments in remote locations with overnight stays and working individually.
- License to legally operate a motor vehicle in the State of California.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by first day of employment
- Ability to support the development of new projects and/or lead business development efforts in collaboration with the Habitat Restoration Practice Director.
- Experience with Resource Agency coordination related to coastal projects.
- Fluency in coastal physical and ecological processes.
- Experience and knowledge of the environmental policies and regulations which may require coastal nature-based work to be performed, and that may constrain various approaches to project design and implementation.
- Excellent technical writing skills.
Compensation: $30-$40 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.
Environment
- This job operates in an outdoor or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc.
- Outdoor activity may involve walking/trekking in uneven terrain over long distances in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time.
- This job requires project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment.
- 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.
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.
*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 a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.
Top Skills
Biology
Coastal Engineering
Environmental Science
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