Senior Watershed Scientist - Stormwater / Regulatory Permitting

Overview

Location(s):  NorCal/SoCalPractice/Department:  Watershed SciencesWork Environment:  HybridCompensation: $110,000 - $140,000 

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 mid- to senior-level technical leader who oversees complex field investigations, regulatory compliance efforts, scientific analysis, and watershed management planning. Coordinates with client teams, develops innovative solutions for water resource challenges, and guides strategic decision-making for projects and may lead field teams. As a recognized technical expert, you'll support 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 professi