As-Needed Field Biologist - San Benito County

Position Overview Location: San Benito County, California Department: Biology Work Environment: Field Compensation: $24.00 - $50.00 per hour (based on experience, education, certifications, and work location). Who You Are As an employee you embrace accountability, work safely, collaborate, and think resourcefully and independently. You are curious, solution‑oriented, and adaptable, approaching challenges with a spirit of innovation. How You’ll Make an Impact This role will be based at project sites within California and will support early‑career to mid‑level professionals in providing as‑needed biological surveys. Candidates should have expertise in an environmental resource area, including biological and aquatic resource surveys and environmental monitoring. Duties and Responsibilities Work collaboratively with other Dudek staff and subconsultants to conduct field studies/surveys: Vegetation mapping and habitat characterizations General botanical surveys and inventories Focused surveys and/or habitat assessments for special‑status plant and wildlife species Aquatic resource delineations pursuant to federal and state requirements to support regulatory permit applications Record and take notes of any observations on a Dudek electronic platform for reporting purposes. Follow all Dudek and project site safety protocols. Travel to project sites located throughout California. Hike long distances in potentially inclement weather/heat and rough terrain. Apply a high level of attention to detail and work independently and as part of a team. Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, or a related field; OR a minimum of 1–3 years demonstrated field experience in biological resource management and surveying. Knowledge of and ability to identify California wildlife and/or plant species. Valid driver’s license and active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment. Preferred Qualifications Highly organized with the ability to multi‑task. Sound judgement and able to "think on your feet". Self‑motivated with an interest in learning and growing as a project team. Understanding of and familiarity with environmental regulations and permits. Scientific Collecting Permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Agency‑Qualified biologist to survey and monitor special‑status wildlife and plant species, including nesting birds. Experience executing species‑specific survey protocols. Experience identifying common and rare plant species and/or using dichotomous keys to identify plants. Strong oral communication skills and demonstrated responsiveness. Compensation $24.00–$50.00 per hour (final agreed‑upon compensation will be based on experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location). Successful candidates must pass a pre‑employment drug test and background check before beginning employment. Working Conditions The job operates in an outdoor or office‑based environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers. Project site visits may involve excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment. Physical Requirements The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met to perform the essential functions of the job. Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods in an office or remote office setting. Bending, squatting, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 35 lbs unassisted; 50 lbs 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. Outdoor activity may involve walking/trekking on uneven terrain over long distances in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time. Equal Employment Opportunity Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of 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. Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek also upholds 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, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities are 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. Benefits for As‑Needed and Part‑Time Employees As‑needed and part‑time employees are eligible for our 401(k) plan, sick leave, and our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). They have the option of additional benefits, such as 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr