As-Needed Lab Biologist

Overview

Location(s): Tracy, CA / Sacramento-San Joaquin DeltaPractice/Department: BiologyWork Environment: LaboratoryCompensation: $31.00/hourly*

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 employees 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 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 currently seeking a part-time as needed (variable hours per week) laboratory technician to join our biological resources team in at the lab near Tracy, CA. The successful candidate will help Dudek staff collect and analyze laboratory and environmental data related to aquatic invasive species management and prepare associated analyses and reports. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Collects and interprets analytical and environmental chemistry, biology, toxicology, hydrology, meteorology, and other related data and observes and clearly notates field conditions, meeting notes, etc. related to aquatic invasive species management;
• Requires existing familiarity with standard and specialized aquatic toxicology laboratory equipment including but not limited to water quality testing equipment (pH, EC, turbidity, etc.), hot water baths, compound microscope, laboratory glassware, flow-through aquaculture systems, and submersible pumps;
• Reviews safety data sheets for all chemicals used in laboratory and strictly adheres to guidelines related to safe handling and required personal protective equipment (PPE);
• Adheres to California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) collecting and biosecurity standards in accordance with an existing Scientific Collecting Permit (SCP);
• Collects water and biological samples for subcontracted laboratory analysis;
• Interacts with laboratories to obtain desired and quality-assured results;
• Uses field equipment and thoroughly documents field conditions and project status, including phone calls and emails to project manager, subcontractors and other colleagues;
• Reviews, summarizes and critiques scientific literature;
• Contacts peers, colleagues, and others to gain clarification and gather information as needed;
• Contacts outside entities as directed by project manager to gain or present information on project status;
• Adheres to assigned levels of effort for tasks given;
• Requires existing familiarity with, and/or willingness and ability to learn, standard concepts, practices, and procedures related to environmental consulting;
• Relies on technical experience and common sense and judgment to plan and accomplish goals;
• Performs a variety of tasks working under little or no supervision using a certain degree of creativity and latitude as required;
• Conducts all work with safety in mind, including operating mechanical equipment, operating vehicles, etc.;
• Conducts all work with a strict attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, botany, environmental science or related natural resources field from an accredited college or university;
• Specialized training in biology, environmental science, and/or toxicology in a laboratory setting;
• Ability to use knowledge of the Microsoft environment – Outlook, Word, Excel and Access;
• Ability to conduct all work with safety in mind, including operating mechanical equipment, laboratory equipment, operating vehicles, etc.;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by first day of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with aquatic invasive species (AIS) ecology;
• Experience with handling live aquatic animals in a laboratory setting;
• Ability to read, understand and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.   Ability to write detailed technical reports and correspondence;
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations; 
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.   Ability to assess multiple activities and prioritize or to promptly seek assistance from the supervisor to assist in setting priorities;
• Ability to speak clearly and effectively one-on-one or in a group;
• Strong customer service emphasis and solution-oriented approach to work;
• Conscientious and detail-oriented with demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail;
• Exercises good judgment and sound decision-making skills.

Compensation: $31.00/hourly* 

*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  

• The majority of the work is performed in a compact laboratory setting with somewhat limited maneuverable space. The laboratory is situated adjacent to a man-made water conveyance channel within an active fish collection facility with heavy machinery and moving vehicles;
• This job operates in a field laboratory (ie, non-office) environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, hand-held devices;
• This job requires some work outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment.

Physical Requirements 

The 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 a labratory setting.
• Use of hands, reaching with hands and arms and performing delicate laboratory tasks with steady hands;
• Walking, sitting, stooping, kneeling crouching and crawling;
• 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;
• Conducting biological laboratory work in a remote environment, often under adverse weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain);
• Carrying equipment and field gear weighing up to 30 pounds;
• Working in proximity to insects, wildlife, and potentially hazardous environments (e.g., machinery, wetlands, uneven ground).

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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.  

*As-needed and part-time employees are eligible for our 401(k) plan, sick leave, and our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). As-needed and part-time employees have the option of additional benefits like medical benefits and ESOP participation provided they meet minimum hours worked during the 12-month look back measurement period.  Speak with your recruiter to learn more.  

Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.