Location(s): Santa Barbara, Ca; Santa Cruz, Ca Practice/Department: Watershed Sciences Internal Title: Water Resource Planner I/II Work Environment: Hybrid (2-3 days / week in-office) Compensation: $60,000-$85,000 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 seeking an entry-level water resources planner with 2+ years' experience in water resources and watershed planning to join our team. Our team works collaboratively with local regional and state agencies, municipalities, and CBOs/CBPs across all disciplines to provide comprehensive land and natural resources planning (IRWMPs, GSPs, Watershed Plans, GPs, Climate Resilience, Hazard Mitigation and other related Plans) to public and private sector clients. This will be a hybrid position with 2-3 days in office per week.
Our work is grounded in the understanding that our natural resources are foundational to the State’s prosperity and identity. We also recognize that access to resources is intrinsic to social and racial equity, environmental justice and to a healthy population and economy. The effective stewardship and management of our shared resources undergirds the State’s resilience to climate change threats, including drought, wildfire, sea-level rise, flooding and deteriorating water quality.
Duties and Responsibilities
Perform current planning duties from the entitlement stage through project implementation for complex public and private projects
Prepare long-range planning documents, including IRWM Plans, sections of Groundwater Sustainability Plans, Drought Response Plans, Climate Resilience Plans. Wildfire Action Plans, Hazard Mitigation Plans and/ or Specific Plans, Master Plans, Community Plans, and General Plan Updates.
Research applicable State laws, funding opportunities, and local plans and ordinances
Collect and interpret scientific, socio-economic, and public outreach data
Coordinate and participate in public outreach events, including presentation of concepts and materials in English and Spanish
Work on grant applications and project scoping
Conduct spatial analysis and prepare maps and graphics using ArcGIS and the Adobe Suite
Enhance Dudek’s professional reputation and demonstrate the ability to be creative and innovative with these tasks while representing Dudek in a professional manner
Work closely with other Dudek Project Managers to promote our business interests in adherence with the company’s mission, vision, and values
Perform all other duties as assigned by your supervisor(s)
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in planning or similar from an accredited four-year college.
The successful candidate will possess 2 + years of relevant experience in water resources planning and project implementation, natural resources planning, awareness of CEQA and permitting, public outreach through full-time positions, internships, or client-facing academic projects.
Proficiency in both English and Spanish languages, including strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages in a professional setting
Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by first day of employment
Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment
Preferred Qualifications
A Master’s degree is strongly encouraged.
Enjoy working on a wide range of projects with a diverse group of specialists, staying current with relevant California planning and law, and possess a strong interest in conducting bilingual outreach.
Strong inter-personal skills and should not be afraid to ask questions.
Compensation: $60,000-$85,000 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 requires 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.