Senior Watershed Scientist - Stormwater / Regulatory Permitting

Overview Location(s): NorCal/SoCal Practice/Department: Watershed Sciences Work Environment: Hybrid Compensation: $100,000 - $130,000 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 A Watershed Scientist IV is a mid- to senior-level technical leader who oversees complex field investigations, regulatory compliance efforts, scientific analysis, and watershed management planning. A Watershed Scientist IV leads field teams, coordinates with clients, develops innovative solutions for water resource challenges, and guides strategic decision-making for projects. As a recognized technical expert, a Watershed Scientist IV supports business development, client engagement, and industry positioning while mentoring junior staff and contributing to company-wide knowledge sharing. Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership and Industry Expertise Serves as a lead scientist for fieldwork, overseeing watershed monitoring, hydrologic assessments, water quality evaluations, and/or compliance inspections. Coordinates work efforts of junior and mid-level scientists, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and adherence to scientific protocols and regulatory standards. Stays actively informed about industry trends, scientific advancements, and regulatory updates, positioning the company as a leader in watershed science. Develops creative, science-based solutions for complex technical or policy challenges related to water resource management. Provides critical analysis of complex datasets, integrating field data, hydrologic modeling, remote sensing, and geographic information Systems (GIS)-based analysis to inform decision-making. Regulatory Compliance and Permitting Leads preparation of comprehensive reports, permit applications, and compliance documentation for medium- to large-scale watershed management projects. Oversees environmental impact assessments, water quality monitoring programs, and regulatory compliance strategies. Advises on Clean Water Act (CWA), National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), total maximum daily load (TMDL), and other state and federal regulations related to water resources. Communicates with clients, public agencies, and regulators to address compliance issues, permitting requirements, and policy considerations. Project Oversight and Strategic Planning Serves in lead roles for field investigations, ensuring projects meet technical objectives and regulatory requirements. Manages multiple project components, balancing budgets, schedules, and technical deliverables. Supports project proposals by developing scopes of work, budgets, and schedules for technical studies and watershed restoration initiatives. Works with engineers, planners, and ecologists to integrate watershed science into restoration design and management plans. Client and Public Engagement Communicates complex scientific findings to clients, community members, and regulatory agencies through presentations, reports, and public meetings. Represents the company at professional conferences, workshops, and industry events, contributing to thought leadership and business development. Supports business development efforts by identifying new opportunities, partnerships, and funding sources for watershed science projects. Mentorship and Staff Development Mentors junior and mid-level staff, fostering professional growth in watershed science, hydrology, and regulatory compliance. Conducts internal training sessions to improve data collection, analysis techniques, and regulatory knowledge among team members. Oversees QA/QC processes for scientific reports, field methodologies, and technical deliverables. Minimum Qualifications Experience: 12+ years’ experience in watershed science, water quality monitoring, or hydrological research. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Ecology, Geology, Water Resources, or a related field. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree (preferred) in Watershed Science, Aquatic Ecology, Environmental Engineering, or a related field. Demonstrated expertise in regulatory permitting, hydrologic modeling, or watershed restoration planning. Aquatic bioassessment sampling and/or stormwater quality certification(s). Proficiency in GIS, statistical analysis, remote sensing, and water quality modeling tools. Strong track record of mentoring and developing junior staff. Experience in developing technical scopes of work, cost estimates, and compliance documentation. Established professional network within the watershed science and regulatory community. Compensation: $100,000 - $130,000/yr *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 employmen Physical Requirements 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, and speaking on the phone with government agency representatives, members of the public, and others. 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.