Senior MSHCP Biologist / Project Manager

Overview Location(s): California Practice/Department: Biological Work Environment: Remote/Hybrid Compensation: $110,000-140,000/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.  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 Dudek is seeking an  experienced senior-level Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Lead Reviewer to support implementation of the MSHCP. In this role, working as part of Dudek’s dedicated MSHCP implementation team, you will apply their expertise in biological resources, regulatory compliance, and habitat conservation planning to help balance regional growth with long-term conservation goals while ensuring the consistent, efficient, and transparent implementation of one of the nation's largest and most successful habitat conservation programs. The successful candidate will serve as a technical lead and subject matter resource expert responsible for reviewing development, infrastructure, conservation, and public agency projects for consistency with MSHCP requirements; coordinating with applicants, permittees, the Regional Conservation Authority (RCA), and Wildlife Agencies (California Department of Fish and Wildlife and United States Fish and Wildlife Service); and preparing defensible findings that support informed decision-making. The position operates independently as a project manager on assigned reviews, provides leadership and oversight for review assignments, demonstrates responsiveness, reliability, and strong project management capabilities, and contributes to high-quality regulatory agency and client interactions and complex negotiations. Duties and Responsibilities Duties and responsibilities for this position may include but are not limited to: Serve as a Lead Reviewer for projects subject to the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), including Joint Project Reviews (JPRs), JPR Amendment reviews, Participating Special Entity (PSE) applications, and Criteria Refinements. Lead assigned technical review phases, coordinate review staff, manage review schedules, and communicate project status and budget information to project managers and clients. Review development proposals, infrastructure projects, public works projects, and conservation-related actions for consistency with MSHCP requirements, conservation objectives, survey requirements, and reserve assembly goals. Review applicable MSHCP supporting documentation including but not limited to biological technical reports, habitat assessments, focused species surveys, aquatic resource delineations, MSHCP consistency analyses, Determinations of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation (DBESP) reports, GIS analyses, and other supporting documentation. Conduct detailed compliance reviews related to but not limited to reserve assembly, rough step analyses, riparian/riverine and vernal pool resources, narrow endemic plant species, additional survey needs and procedures, Urban/Wildland Interface Guidelines, and facilities within the Criteria Area. Prepare technical comments, findings documents, correspondence, and review memoranda supporting MSHCP consistency determinations. Coordinate directly with project applicants, environmental consultants, local jurisdictions, Participating Permittees, the Regional Conservation Authority (RCA), Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC), and Wildlife Agencies (California Department of Fish and Wildlife and United States Fish and Wildlife Service). Lead discussions with all stakeholders while navigating the complex relationships and goals of all parties. Prepare and maintain project tracking and administrative records, update logs, and track associated documentation consistent with established RCA procedures and timelines. Collaborate with GIS analysts, restoration specialists, species experts, planners, and regulatory specialists to support defensible and consistent compliance review determinations. Develop and refine review templates, implementation procedures, technical guidance documents, and training materials. Manage multiple concurrent review assignments while maintaining technical quality, responsiveness, and customer service. Providing high-level review of documents developed by junior to mid-level Lead Reviewers and providing feedback and guidance to more junior staff members. Monitor assigned project phases to support schedule adherence, scope management, and budget performance, communicating potential issues or changes to project managers. Provide guidance regarding MSHCP implementation, reserve assembly considerations, conservation planning, mitigation strategies, and regulatory requirements within area of technical expertise and established program guidance. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in biol