Hydrologist, Staff/Technical

The Idaho Department of Water Resources is seeking a Hydrologist (Staff/Technical) based in Boise, ID, to manage water resources. Responsibilities include coordinating surface water monitoring, conducting field measurements, analyzing hydrologic data, and collaborating with various entities. Candidates should have a background in hydrology or related fields. The role involves fieldwork and offers opportunities for professional growth within the agency.
About the position

The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) is offering an exciting opportunity for an individual to impact water management in Idaho. The position is in the Hydrology Section and is based at the state office in Boise, Idaho. It is open to hydrologists who have knowledge of principles, theories, and practices pertaining to surface and groundwater hydrology. The selected individual will work with a team responsible for implementing the State of Idaho's water resource programs and initiatives on behalf of IDWR. At IDWR, employees enjoy autonomy, work-life balance, periodic field work, and a professional yet relaxed environment. There are two levels for this job opening: Hydrologist, Staff and Hydrologist, Technical. Through on-the-job training, classroom training, and achievement of team and agency goals, Staff Hydrologists have opportunities to progress to the Technical Hydrologist level within the Hydrologist career track. Technical Hydrologists are expected to handle more challenging projects with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities
• Coordinates surface water monitoring program which includes travel to various sites, performs site evaluations, and recommends measurement and monitoring options, including location selection, equipment design, and specifications.
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• Obtains cost estimates on equipment and/or installation of equipment and installs and maintains monitoring equipment.
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• Conducts field measurements and performs quality assurance (QA) review and analysis of data.
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• Works with agencies, irrigation districts, tribes, and other entities to coordinate data collection, data sharing, site maintenance, and equipment installation.
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• Develop graphs and other illustrations for presentation and discussion in technical settings.
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• Responds to internal and external customer data requests.
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• Works independently in the field and the office.
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• Collect, manage, and analyze hydrologic data.
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• Conduct hydrologic studies and evaluations related to basin or source-specific water supply and demand, and related administration.
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• Review and analyze technical hydrologic reports associated with the allocation and administration of water resources.
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• Support watermasters and water districts to ensure proper distribution of water.

Requirements
• Good knowledge of principles, theories, and practices of hydrology including those pertaining to surface water flow, climate, evapotranspiration, water yield, and surface-ground water relationships.
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• Applied statistics related to hydrology.
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• Experience collecting and analyzing data to evaluate river basin water supply, use, and flow.
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• This experience is typically gained by a college degree in a physical science such as hydrology, hydrogeology, geology, water resources, environmental science, geophysics, soils, or engineering AND either successful completion of at least two, one-semester college courses in hydrology or hydrogeology or at least one year of directly related experience in hydrology or hydrogeology.

Nice-to-haves
• Ability to spend up to 50% of the work week in the field, year-round, with some overnight stays.
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• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
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• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and walk over uneven terrain.
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• Knowledge of water resource management.
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• Knowledge of measuring and monitoring water flows in open or closed conduits.
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• Knowledge of developing water resource studies and plans involving water supply and use.
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• Experience in natural resource-related data collection, management, and analysis.
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• Experience with computer applications, programming (i.e. C, Visual Basic, R, or Python), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Benefits
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
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• PERSI retirement benefits.
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• Paid sick, vacation, and parental leave.
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• 11 paid holidays per year.