Senior MSHCP Biologist / Project Manager

Overview Location(s): California Practice/Department: Biological Work Environment: Remote/Hybrid Compensation: $110,000-140,000/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 senior-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 apply their expertise in biological resources, regulatory compliance, and habitat conservation planning to help balance regional growth with long-term conservation goals while ensuring the consistent, efficient, and transparent implementation of one of the nation's largest and most successful habitat conservation programs. The successful candidate will serve as a technical lead and subject matter resource expert responsible for reviewing development, infrastructure, conservation, and public agency projects for consistency with MSHCP requirements; coordinating with 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 defensible findings that support informed decision-making. The position operates independently as a project manager on assigned reviews, provides leadership and oversight for review assignments, demonstrates responsiveness, reliability, and strong project management capabilities, and contributes to high-quality regulatory agency and client interactions and complex negotiations. Duties and Responsibilities Duties and responsibilities for this position may include but are not limited to: Serve as a Lead Reviewer for 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, and Criteria Refinements. Lead assigned technical review phases, coordinate review staff, manage review schedules, and communicate project status and budget information to project managers and clients. Review development proposals, infrastructure projects, public works projects, and conservation-related actions for consistency with MSHCP requirements, conservation objectives, survey requirements, and reserve assembly goals. 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) reports, GIS analyses, and other supporting documentation. Conduct detailed compliance reviews related to but not limited to reserve assembly, rough step analyses, riparian/riverine and vernal pool resources, narrow endemic plant species, additional survey needs and procedures, Urban/Wildland 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, environmental consultants, local jurisdictions, Participating Permittees, the Regional Conservation Authority (RCA), Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC), and Wildlife Agencies (California Department of Fish and Wildlife and United States Fish and Wildlife Service). Lead discussions with all stakeholders while navigating the complex relationships and goals of all parties. Prepare and 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. Develop and refine review templates, implementation procedures, technical guidance documents, and training materials. Manage multiple concurrent review assignments while maintaining technical quality, responsiveness, and customer service. Providing high-level review of documents developed by junior to mid-level Lead Reviewers and providing feedback and guidance to more junior staff members. Monitor assigned project phases to support schedule adherence, scope management, and budget performance, communicating potential issues or changes to project managers. Provide guidance regarding MSHCP implementation, reserve assembly considerations, conservation planning, mitigation strategies, and regulatory requirements within area of technical expertise and established program guidance. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, botany, environmental science or related natural resources field; Minimum of 12 years of professional experience in biological resources consulting, environmental planning, habitat conservation planning, natural resource management, or regulatory compliance. Expertise 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. Possesses strong discernment of communication between competing parties in meetings. Demonstrated experience preparing or reviewing biological technical reports and environmental documentation in support of CEQA, NEPA, federal Endangered Species Act, California Endangered Species Act, and related regulatory programs. Compensation: $110,000-140,000/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. Connect with us! 💼 LinkedIn 📸 Instagram ▶️ YouTube 🤝 Dudek Talent Community 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.