Watershed Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Location(s):  Central Coast, Central Valley, Northern CAPractice/Department: Watershed Sciences Work Environment:  HybridCompensation: $85,000-$105,000

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.  

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 Planner III conducts research, analyzes scientific and socio-economic data, and prepares planning documents related to watershed management and water resource planning. A Watershed Planner III supports project communication, coordinates planning tasks, manages budgets and schedules, and assists with contract and proposal development. A Watershed Planner III also works closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, funding requirements, and community engagement strategies.

Data Analysis and Interpretation:

• Conducts in-depth analysis of scientific, socio-economic, and public outreach data to inform watershed planning efforts.
• Reviews and synthesizes environmental impact assessments, hydrological data, and regulatory policies to support project goals.

• Uses geographic information systems (GIS) mapping tools to analyze watershed characteristics, land use patterns, and environmental risks.

Project Coordination and Communication

• Supports project communication and community engagement, including facilitating discussions with clients, regulatory agencies, and community groups.
• Assists in managing project schedules and deliverables, ensuring alignment with contract requirements and funding guidelines.

• Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, integrating insights from scientists, engineers, and planners into cohesive watershed management strategies.

Task and Budget Management

• Manages specific project tasks as a phase manager and supports senior project managers in contract administration, budget tracking, and schedule management.

• Monitors project expenses, reviews billing drafts, and ensures adherence to contractual obligations and financial constraints.

Technical Writing and Document Preparation

• Prepares technical reports, plan sections, and planning documents, ensuring they meet regulatory, client, and community expectations.
• Coordinates with GIS specialists and designers to develop maps, exhibits, and visual presentations that effectively communicate watershed planning strategies.

• Summarizes complex plans and outreach strategies into clear, concise presentation materials for public and private sector participants.

Proposal Development and Strategic Planning

• Assists in drafting task proposals, including scopes of work, budgets, and schedules for new and ongoing projects.
• Supports funding applications and grant writing efforts by summarizing relevant data and identifying project alignment with funding criteria.

• Evaluates watershed planning frameworks and contributes to the development of innovative approaches for sustainable water resource management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years' relevant experience in watershed planning, environmental planning, water resource management, or a related field.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Urban/Regional Planning, Hydrology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Geography, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree (preferred) in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Environmental Policy, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience with grant writing, funding frameworks, and public outreach strategies related to watershed planning.
• Familiarity with hydrological modeling, stormwater management, or floodplain analysis is beneficial.

• Experience with GIS software, environmental data analysis, and regulatory permitting is highly preferred.

Compensation: $85,000-$105,000

*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

• 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! 

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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.