Geomorphologist

Job Description

Job Description
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*

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 AreAs 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 ImpactDudek 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 instream and off-channel habitat restoration, fish passage improvements, and flow enhancement initiatives. You’ll also play a key role in coordinating and working with a variety of clients, other consultants, contractors and regulatory agency representatives. Your work will directly 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: $90,000-$140,000 annually*

• *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 employment.

Working Conditions
Environment

• This job operates in a remote or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc.
• This job requires occasional project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment.

Physical RequirementsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:

• Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting.
• Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc.
• Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

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.

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