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Dudek

Senior Forestry and Fire Protection Planning Manager

Dudek, Encinitas, California, us, 92023

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Overview

Is this the next step in your career Find out if you are the right candidate by reading through the complete overview below. Location: Pacific Northwest Practice/Department: Emerging Regions Internal Title: Project Manager I Work Environment: Hybrid/Remote Compensation: $115,000-$135,000 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.

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 a Senior Forestry and Fire Protection Planning Manager to support the growth of our natural resources team in the Pacific Northwest. The successful candidate will possess a well-established network within the region and contribute to the development and diversity of our natural resource services. The candidate will build client relationships while also ensuring high-quality work products and regulatory compliance.

This seller/doer position requires a minimum of twelve years' experience in arboriculture, urban forestry, fuels planning, wildfire mitigation, and/or hazard tree and vegetation risk assessment within the Pacific Northwest. Proven ability to independently conduct tree assessments, prepare comprehensive reports, engage effectively with clients, and manage complex projects within multi-disciplinary teams is essential. Additional responsibilities include pursuing and securing business opportunities through networking, marketing, and client referrals.

Based in Dudek's Seattle or Portland office, this role involves regular travel throughout the region for project-related assignments. Responsibilities include leading or contributing to public and private sector projects, including those for utilities, land managers, and local governments. Previous agency, consulting, or utility operations experience is highly valued.

Duties and Responsibilities

Builds strong relationships with clients, including key decision makers and agency representatives, proactively identifying and pursuing new business prospects.

Coordinates and facilitates client, partner, and regulatory agency meetings where Dudek work products are presented and reviewed.

Cross-sells other disciplines within the company and actively seeks opportunities for collaboration.

Leads proposals for projects of varying complexity, scopes of work, budgets, and bids for new projects.

Actively engages in the professional community, including attending and speaking at industry conferences and training sessions.

Draft chapters for urban forest management plans, including best practices, municipal budgeting, work performance metrics, tree inventory sustainability assessments, canopy cover study applications, community engagement strategies, as well as ordinances and policies.

Oversee projects from initiation through completion, ensuring timely execution and optimal efficiency.

Conduct thorough individual tree evaluations and risk assessments; utilize tablets, field computers, and GPS units for data collection in the field.

Produce arborist and technical reports on tree and urban forest management, including written recommendations for tree management.

Offer expert consultation and guidance to clients regarding tree care, preservation, and management strategies.

Perform individual tree evaluations and risk assessments with precision.

Present research findings to decision makers, project teams, and industry groups.

Remain current with advancements in industry methods, techniques, and best practices.

Lead or support the development of Silvicultural Analyses, CWPPs, Fuels Assessments, or Vegetation Management Plans, as appropriate.

Utilize FVS, FlamMap, or similar vegetation/fire behavior modeling tools to inform treatment planning and prioritize risk assessments.

Conduct or supervise hazard tree identification, post-fire risk evaluations, or vegetation risk reduction efforts across utility corridors, roadways, or public lands.

Author or contribute to wildfire and forestry sections for NEPA documentation as part of multidisciplinary project teams.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field.

ISA Certified Arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ).

Experience with writing, project management, client development, GIS, GPS, regional plant/tree identification, and arboricultural/vegetation management practices.

Knowledge of developing urban forest management plans, data sources, urban forest sustainability principles, climate change research, tree maintenance practices, ISA standards, and financing.

Twelve or more years of experience in forestry planning, fuels treatment planning, wildfire mitigation, or hazard tree/vegetation risk assessments.

Proficiency with FVS, FlamMap, or similar modeling tools (e.g., BehavePlus, FARSITE) is preferred.

Familiarity with Pacific Northwest forest types or comparable fire-adapted ecosystems is beneficial.

Valid driver's license and active personal automobile liability insurance required by the first day of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with USFS, BLM, NRCS, state forestry agencies, tribal governments, or local fire districts.

Experience supporting municipal permitting processes related to utility infrastructure fire safety.

Familiarity with Fire Protection Plan (FPP) preparation and relevant fire safety codes for infrastructure projects such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

Experience with ROW vegetation clearance, IVM strategies, or utility wildfire mitigation plans.

Compensation Compensation: $115,000-$135,000 annually*

*Final agreed-upon compensation will be based on factors including 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 routinely uses standard office equipment.

Occasional project site visits outdoors, which can include excess noise, uneven surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment.

Physical Requirements

Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods in an office or remote setting.

Attending meetings in person and virtually; speaking on the phone with peers and clients.

Specific vision abilities including close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of 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 a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.

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