Mid-Level MSHCP Biologist

Overview Location(s): California Practice/Department: Biological Work Environment: Remote/Hybrid Compensation: $90,000-110,000/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. Position Overview 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 experienced mid-level Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Lead Reviewer to support implementation of the MSHCP. In this role, working as part of Dudek’s dedicated MSHCP implementation team, you will help balance regional growth, infrastructure improvements, and conservation goals while contributing to the successful implementation of one of the nation's largest and most complex habitat conservation programs. The successful candidate will play a key role in reviewing development, infrastructure, conservation, and public agency projects for consistency with MSHCP requirements and conservation objectives; evaluating biological and environmental documentation; coordinating with project applicants, Permittees, the Regional Conservation Authority (RCA), and Wildlife Agencies (California Department of Fish and Wildlife and United States Fish and Wildlife Service); and preparing MSHCP findings that support efficient, consistent, and defensible compliance determinations. The position operates independently on assigned reviews and serves as a task lead for review assignments. Duties and Responsibilities Duties and responsibilities for this position may include but are not limited to: Review projects subject to the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), including Joint Project Reviews (JPRs), JPR Amendment reviews, Participating Special Entity (PSE) applications, Criteria Refinements, and other MSHCP implementation activities. Serve as support for task lead for assigned review efforts, coordinating technical review activities, schedules, and deliverables while communicating status and issues to project managers and senior reviewers. Review development proposals, infrastructure projects, public works projects, and conservation projects for consistency with MSHCP requirements, including but not limited to survey requirements and conservation objectives. Review applicable MSHCP supporting documentation including but not limited to biological technical reports, habitat assessments, focused species surveys, aquatic resource delineations, MSHCP consistency analyses, Determinations of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation (DBESP), GIS analyses, and supporting documentation. Conduct compliance reviews related to but not limited to reserve assembly, rough step analyses, riparian/riverine resources, vernal pool resources, narrow endemic plant species, additional survey needs and procedures, and Urban/Wildlands Interface Guidelines, and facilities within the Criteria Area. Prepare technical comments, findings documents, correspondence, and review memoranda supporting MSHCP consistency determinations. Coordinate directly with project applicants, consultants, participating Permittees, the Regional Conservation Authority (RCA), and Wildlife Agencies (California Department of Fish and Wildlife and United States Fish and Wildlife Service), developing productive working relationships and serving as a consistent point of contact during review processes. Attending all necessary meetings and taking notes or gathering information for the team. Maintain project tracking and administrative records, update logs, and track associated documentation consistent with established RCA procedures and timelines. Collaborate with GIS analysts, restoration specialists, species experts, planners, and regulatory specialists to support defensible and consistent compliance review determinations. Contributes to the improvement of review templates, implementation procedures, technical guidance documents, and training materials. Manage multiple concurrent review assignments while maintaining technical quality, responsiveness, and customer service. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, botany, environmental science or related natural resources field. Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in biological resources consulting, environmental planning, natural resources management, regulatory compliance, or a related field. Familiarity with the Western Riverside County MSHCP. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Exercises good judgment and sound decision-making skills. Ability to work effectively with public agencies, consultants, clients, and multidisciplinary project teams. Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications and GIS mapping products. Must possess a valid driver's license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in biology, ecology, botany, environmental science or related natural resources field. Familiarity with state and federal regulations related to biological resources, including the federal Endangered Species Act, California Endangered Species Act, California Fish and Game Code, Clean Water Act, and CEQA. Experience coordinating directly with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, local jurisdictions, transportation agencies, and conservation organizations. Experience reviewing or preparing MSHCP Consistency Analyses, DBESP reports, habitat mitigation and monitoring plans (HMMPs), and biological resource technical reports. Ability to analyze complex technical information and apply regulatory requirements in a consistent and defensible manner Compensation: $90,000-110,000/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 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. 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). 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. 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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.