Associate Environmental Planner/Wildlife Biologist

Dokken Engineering seeks an Associate Environmental Planner/Wildlife Biologist in San Diego, CA. The role involves progressing environmental projects, preparing technical reports, securing permits, conducting biology field surveys, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Candidates should have a BA/BS in environmental studies or related fields and 5-15 years of relevant experience. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of environmental laws are essential.
Dokken’s Environmental Division is seeking an Associate Environmental Planner/Wildlife Biologist in our San Diego, CA office.

At Dokken, you would help shape public infrastructure that protects natural resources and improves communities across California. Dokken provides environmental clearances, permits, and designs for local, state, and federally funded projects including trails, roads, bridges, water facilities, transit systems, and other public works facilities.

Our environmental team works on projects where your wildlife biology expertise directly influences habitat conservation, species protection, and creative infrastructure designs. We have a collaborative, multidisciplinary culture where your curiosity is encouraged, your ideas matter, and you can grow your career at the pace that suits you while making a real impact on the places people live, travel, and explore.

Dokken’s in-house environmental team consists of biologists, arborists, archaeologists, noise/air specialists, environmental planners, GIS technicians, and regulatory permitting experts.

Core Job Responsibilities:
• Progress projects through the environmental process
• Prepare environmental technical reports including, but not limited to, Biological Reports, Biological Assessments, Community Impact Assessments, Visual Impact Assessments, Water Quality Assessments, and CEQA and NEPA environmental documents. Prepare Caltrans formatted NEPA technical studies.
• Prepare regulatory permit applications and secure environmental permits
• Conduct biology field surveys: habitat mapping, wetland delineations, nesting bird surveys, special-status species assessments, restoration monitoring, and more
• Develop and implement mitigation and monitoring reporting programs
• Visit construction projects to oversee compliance with environmental commitments
• Assist with habitat restoration plans
• Prepare pieces of proposals for new projects
• Collaborate with clients, regulatory authorities, environmental and engineering team members, and subconsultants

Critical Traits & Abilities:
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Driven and takes initiative
• Problem solver and strong critical thinking skills
• Curious with a desire to continuously learn
• Good attention to detail
• Effective technical writing and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Minimum Requirements:
• Minimum of BA or BS in environmental studies/science, biology, or related field
• Associate position: 5-15 years of relevant experience, preferably in California
• Applicants for an associate level position must have a good working knowledge of Federal and California environmental laws (i.e., CEQA and NEPA, Clean Water Act, Federal Endangered Species Act, CA Fish and Game Code, etc.)
• CA driver’s license

Physical Requirements:
• Will sit, stand or walk for the entire duration of a workday
• Will use telephone, computer system, email, or other electronic devices on a regular basis
• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception
• Work indoors and outdoors. Outdoor work can be in remote or urban environments
• Usually work near others, such as in a shared office space
• Occasionally wear protective gear, such as a hard hat
• Sometimes work in noisy or distracting work environments
• Occasionally travel to project sites by automobile, train, and/or airplane
• Occasionally work from a vehicle while at project sites

FLSA Status: Full-Time Exempt

Compensation:
• Associate Environmental Planner/Wildlife Biologist: $80,000 - $120,000
• Specific salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience

Benefits:
• Paid Time Off and holidays
• Comprehensive health plans including medical, dental and vision coverage
• Retirement benefits including 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan with generous, industry-leading employer match of 9% and participation in Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Wellness Program
• Employer-paid life Insurance and long-term disability insurance

Location: San Diego, CA office, potential for up to 2 days/week remote

Schedule: Full-time; Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (times flexible)

Introductory/Probationary Period: At-Will Employment

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: It is the policy of this Company to assure that applicants are selected, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability. Such actions shall include employment, promotion, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training.

If interested, please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@dokkenengineering.com