On-Call Desert Tortoise Surveyor Level I/II

(Multiple states)
Seasonal
Entry Level

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 entry- and mid-level professionals to conduct biological field surveys and construction monitoring in CA, NV and AZ. Positions will be based at project sites located throughout southern California, Nevada and Arizona.
Level 1 candidates will have some experience with biological survey techniques, a background in biology, a willingness to perform strenuous physical activity in harsh desert climates with uneven and sometimes difficult terrain, problem-solving capabilities, and a desire to learn and work as part of a team. Possessing a 4wd or high clearance vehicle is a plus.
Level 2 candidates have been USFWS Authorized Mojave Desert Tortoise Biologists or have the necessary experience and qualifications to become authorized biologists. Level 2 candidates often lead or help lead surveys, training and teaching newer, more inexperienced surveyors. Level 2 surveyors must possess the ability and willingness to continually hike in harsh desert climates for days or weeks at a time, use GIS and data collection applications, navigate terrain and drive off road. Having a 4wd and/or high clearance vehicle is a plus.
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): 

Minimum Requirements Level 1
  • Experience in performing biological surveys, or a willingness to learn.
  • Background and/or coursework in biological field methods or biological science
  • Ability to hike in harsh desert conditions for many days at a time
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by first day of employment
Minimum Requirements Level 2
  • Experience in performing biological surveys for desert tortoise, previous USFWS authorized biologist status or requisite qualifications and experience to obtain authorized biologist status
  • Background and/or coursework in biological field methods
  • Tortoise survey experience in CA, NV and/or AZ
  • Must demonstrate solid written and verbal communication skills.
  • Highly organized with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
  • Self-motivated with an interest to learn and grow as a project team.
  • 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: Level 1: $25-$40 hourly*
                                       Level 2: $40-$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.

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 worklife 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.

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