Local recruitment: Hydrologist (USFWS - Pacific Regions) via Indeed

Full job description

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) National Wildlife Refuge System Pacific Regions Water Resources Branch, is recruiting a Hydrology Technician to participate in water resources projects alongside Service staff. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS). With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.

NWRS lands depend on sufficient water supply to effectively manage and restore quality wetland habitat for the benefit of the American people. Without adequate information and data tools on how much water Refuges are receiving and how water is managed and used, Refuges risk an inability to efficiently manage limited water supplies and protect valuable water assets. Accurate and defensible water monitoring data is required at National Wildlife Refuges in the Pacific Regions (Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, Nevada, and Hawaii and Pacific Islands) to maintain compliance with Federal, state, and other regulations and policies. Learn more about the NWRS at https://www.fws.gov/program/national-wildlife-refuge-system.

The purpose for this project is to improve documentation and access to fundamental information on water data (water level, water flow, and water quality), water management, and how to collect, maintain, and interpret this information in the future. The anticipated outcome of this work is that it will improve the FWSs and Refuge System ability to adaptively manage water resources in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and/or update Standard Operating Procedures for Refuge data collection projects including (but not limited to) streamflow data at gaging stations, water levels in wetlands and wells, water quality sampling, and hydrologic data QA, processing, and publication.
• Participate in selected field monitoring projects at selected Refuges to collect measurements of water level, stream discharge, well levels, and/or water quality data at existing or newly established monitoring sites at the Service facilities listed above, using dataloggers, datasondes, real-time data communication, standard current meters, flumes, weirs, acoustic Doppler velocity/depth meters, and/or well tapes.
• Participate in selected field monitoring projects at Refuges to survey water and land elevation and generate topobathymetric datasets, including operation of topographic surveys, including Real Time Kinematic surveys, and standard survey techniques to run level circuits and check gage datums.
• Enter data into databases and process hydrologic records to meet water rights requirements, compliance monitoring, and data analysis, including (but not limited to): 1.) fundamental information and datasets needed to ensure accurate surveys (i.e. bathymetric maps, staff gages), 2.) refining data collection templates, 3.) implementing digital data visualization, processing, and storage procedures, archiving data and data products (graphs, outputs), and 4.) development of annual summaries of survey data
• Present to Service staff interim or final findings (written or oral) summarizing analysis or interpretation of hydrologic monitoring data from prioritized surveys to facilitate informed decision-making of the Service on water resources management activities that serve to protect water assets.

Timeline:

• 52-week appointment; Term dates: estimated January 31 2025 to January 31 2026
• Full time (40 hours/week)
• Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm core hours
  • Flexible Schedules are an option and negotiable”

Location:

Based at the Pacific Southwest Regional Office in Sacramento, CA, or the Columbia Pacific Northwest Regional Office in Portland, OR with regular travel to National Wildlife Refuges within Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, and Nevada. Duty station is negotiable at other federal facilities within these states.

Portland, Oregon, offers a unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, making it an ideal place to live and work. The city is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, with attractions such as the Portland Art Museum and the famous Powells Booksone of the worlds largest independent bookstores. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to lush parks like Forest Park, as well as easy access to the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, and the Oregon Coast for hiking, skiing, and other recreational activities. Portland is also renowned for its diverse culinary scene, craft breweries, and sustainable living, offering something for everyone in a dynamic, eco-conscious city.

Sacramento, California, is a vibrant city and the states capital that blends rich history with modern amenities. Sacramento offers a range of cultural attractions, including the California State Capitol, the Sacramento History Museum, and the dynamic Crocker Art Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the citys proximity to the American River Parkway for hiking, biking, and kayaking, as well as easy access to the Sierra Nevada mountains and Napa Valley wine country. With a growing food scene, a variety of local farmers’ markets, and a thriving craft beer culture, Sacramento is also celebrated for its unique blend of culinary and cultural experiences.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Wage: $32 hourly
• Housing is not provided and the selected applicant will be expected to procure area housing
• Paid leave and holidays
• Eligible to enroll in company 401K plan with match contributions]
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost

Technical requirements:

• Bachelors degree in environmental sciences (e.g., watershed science, geology, biology, engineering, or related field) with emphasis on hydrology related coursework candidates with advanced degrees encouraged to apply;
• Experience working on long-term resource monitoring projects involving hydrology;
• Previous experience with data processing and quality assurance/quality control of large or complex datasets containing hydrology variables
• Ability to prepare written technical reports and presentations and effectively communicate with diverse groups to explain data collection and computation methods.
• Comfortable operating, maintaining, and trouble-shooting electronic data collection equipment.
• Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass.
• Experience using Microsoft Office programs such as Word to produce reports of scientific activities, and Excel to organize and present data analysis;
• Preferred but not required: Previous field experience maintaining stream gauging stations, measuring stream discharge, water levels, and familiarity with surface and ground water monitoring.
• Previous field experience collecting and processing water quality samples from streams, lakes, and wetlands; experience with laboratory analysis of water quality
• Preferred but not required: Familiarity driving 4WD vehicles and ATVs.
• Preferred but not required: Understanding and/or experience using tablet/smartphone GPS data collection apps such as ArcGIS Collector, Survey123, or similar applications
• Preferred but not required: Experience with ArcGIS software to create effective standalone or ArcGIS Online maps.

Additional requirements:

• Willingness to travel long distances (up to a day in driving or travel time, up to two times a week), and willingness to work up to a week or more away from home with overnight stays in lodging or Service-provided housing; willingness to spend up to 40 percent of work days away from home;
• Willingness and ability to work in harsh, variable, semi-arid or desert conditions, including extreme temperatures and precipitation events, independently or as part of a team;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
• Willingness and ability to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the mission of GBI;
• Ability to problem-solve when unanticipated issues arise in the field and to improvise when the most appropriate tools and supplies for resolving certain issues are not immediately available;
• Possess a valid, state-issued drivers license and clean driving record.
• Employment is contingent upon passing a federal background investigation.

EEO Statement:

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.