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Dudek

Geomorphologist

Dudek, Santa Cruz, California, us, 95061

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Overview Location(s):

Auburn, Sacramento, Oakland, Santa Cruz

Practice/Department:

Habitat Restoration

Internal Title:

Habitat Restoration Specialist III-IV

Work Environment:

Hybrid/Remote

Compensation:

$90,000-$140,000 annually*

About Dudek

is 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. We are recognized by leading industry organizations and have received multiple national Top Workplace Awards. Our employee-owners are unified by a commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as renewable energy transition, infrastructure resilience, 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, safety, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently. 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 Geomorphologist to join our dynamic Habitat Restoration Practice. In this role, you\'ll bring your expertise in fluvial geomorphology and watershed processes to support the design and implementation of river, stream, and coastal restoration projects across California. You\'ll collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, geomorphologists, ecologists, and restoration specialists to assess channel stability, model watershed dynamics, design restoration projects, and provide construction support for in-stream and off-channel habitat restoration, fish passage improvements, and flow enhancement initiatives. You\'ll coordinate with clients, other consultants, contractors, and regulatory agency representatives. Your work will contribute to restoring ecological function, improving habitat for native species, and supporting sustainable watershed management across California, with additional opportunities in the Pacific Northwest.

Duties and Responsibilities

Collaborate with geomorphologists, ecologists, biologists, and engineers to advance restoration projects from concept through construction and post-construction monitoring.

Conduct geomorphic assessments of rivers, streams, watersheds, and coasts to inform design strategies.

Analyze sediment transport, channel morphology, and hydrologic processes using field data and modeling tools.

Assess restoration projects, including channel reconfiguration, bank stabilization, and floodplain reconnection for stability.

Evaluate watershed-scale geomorphic processes, including sediment sources, transport pathways, and channel evolution, to inform long-term management and restoration strategies.

Integrate geomorphic assessments with hydrologic and ecological data to develop resilient, multi-benefit restoration designs.

Assess floodplain connectivity, riparian zone dynamics, and overbank flow processes to support habitat enhancement and flood resilience.

Apply hydraulic and sediment transport models to evaluate channel stability and restoration performance under various flow scenarios.

Use terrain analysis and geomorphic indices (e.g., stream power, slope-area relationships) to guide restoration design.

Prepare technical reports, maps, and visualizations to support permitting, compliance, and stakeholder communication.

Support project management tasks including budgeting, scheduling, and client coordination.

Lead and participate in fieldwork, including topographic surveys, sediment sampling, and construction monitoring.

Provide construction oversight and adapt designs in the field to address site-specific conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor\'s degree (or higher) in Geology, Geosciences, Earth System Sciences, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field.

8+ years of professional experience in geomorphology, hydrology, river engineering design, hydraulic modeling, stream restoration, or stormwater management.

Specialized knowledge in habitat restoration design, construction, and monitoring.

Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills.

Experience with environmental permitting and regulatory compliance.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplines with working knowledge of geomorphology, stream morphology, hydrology, and landscape ecology.

Field experience supervising construction and implementing adaptive solutions.

Proficiency in GIS, CAD, and modeling tools (e.g. HEC-RAS, SRH-2D, RiverMorph).

Valid driver\'s license and active personal automobile liability insurance.

Must possess a valid driver\'s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Expertise in biotechnical bank stabilization, precision grading, large wood structure design, and advanced construction methods.

Advanced proficiency in hydrology/hydraulics modeling and sediment transport analysis.

California Professional Geologist (PG) certification.

Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Familiarity with California fluvial systems and regulatory frameworks (e.g. CEQA, Clean Water Act).

Experience with remote sensing tools, drone mapping, photogrammetry, or LiDAR data analysis.

Understanding of ecological principles and habitat requirements for native species.

Interest in professional development through certifications, conference participation, and continuing education in geomorphology and habitat restoration.

Compensation Note:

$90,000-$140,000 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 in conditions such as excessive noise, uneven walking 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, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc.

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

Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of background, feel valued and have equal opportunities to succeed. We promote a diverse and inclusive workforce and comply with equal employment opportunity laws. All positions are based in the United States and require work authorization.

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