As-Needed Hydrogeologist

Location(s): Encinitas, CA
Practice/Department: Hydro/Haz
Work Environment: Field
Compensation: $20.00-30.00/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.  

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

As-needed position available for Summer 2026 with our Hydrogeology/HazWaste group. Dudek is seeking to fill this position with a recent graduate in geology or earth science.

Our environmental engineers, hydrogeologists and other technical specialists help public agencies, private landowners, and developers assess potential contamination; design and implement remediation strategies; evaluate groundwater supplies; develop and implement sustainable management strategies and projects; and conduct hydrologic studies. You will be working with various team members on a variety of projects, which typically involve groundwater/hydrogeology based projects.

In this position, you will learn the basics of what working in a consulting field is like and have the opportunity to interact with staff in our Hydro/Haz group, and time permitting, with staff across other Dudek disciplines. This position will serve you well if you are a curious individual, willing to ask questions, work well with others, are an independent thinker, and desire to gain initial experience in the professional consulting world. 

You will be provided a laptop and the position will be based out of our Encinitas office. This is an as-needed position, meaning that the hours are flexible. Some weeks may be busy and some may be light, but it provides the ability to accommodate school commitments.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Data entry and QA/QC of lab and field data
• Preparation of tables for reports and reference
• Review and summary of regulations
• Support field work efforts (e.g., prepare field forms, assistance in the field)
• Support quantitative hydrogeologic studies (e.g. perform basic quantitative analyses of groundwater levels and quality data)
• Attendance at staff meetings
• Report writing

Minimum Qualifications

• College graduate with BS in geology or earth science
• Hydrology, geology, environmental engineering, earth science, or other natural resource-based curriculum/major track
• Available at least 8-16 hours per week
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by first day of employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent writing and communication skills (Do you write clearly and concisely? Do you work well with others? Do you speak up and ask questions when you are uncertain?)
• Organized (How do you prioritize and track your work?)
• Detail-oriented (Can you quickly spot errors? Are you methodical with data entry?)
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills (Do you make a concerted effort to figure out a problem on your own? Do you recognize and use available resources? Are you willing to reach out for help?)
• Understanding of Excel
• Willing to get your hands dirty!

Compensation: $20.00-30.00/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  

• This job operates in an outdoor or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc. 
• This job requires project site visits, based 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 an office or remote office setting. 

• Employees must be capable of bending, squatting, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 35 lbs. unassisted; 50lbs in a team lift (two or more employees). 

• 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. 
• Outdoor activity may involve walking/trekking in uneven terrain over long distances in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time.

Connect with us! 

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🤝Dudek Talent Community 

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.