Hydrologist​/Technical

The Idaho Department of Water Resources is hiring a Hydrologist in Boise, ID. The role involves coordinating surface water monitoring, conducting field measurements, and analyzing hydrologic data. Candidates must meet minimum qualifications and may progress from Staff to Technical Hydrologist levels. The position offers autonomy, work-life balance, and opportunities for professional development. This job requires presence in the office and field, thus it is not remote.
Position: Hydrologist, Staff/Technical

Description

Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

Important Guidelines:
Applicant resumes must demonstrate how they meet the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS listed in the job announcement.

Selection Process:
Resumes will be screened based on the criteria outlined in this announcement. A select number of candidates who have demonstrated that they meet the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS of the position and have the most relevant qualifications may be given the opportunity to be interviewed.

The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) may conduct verification of the information provided in your application, including validation of driver's license status, education, employment, and criminal history. Omission and/or falsification of information provided in your application will result in your removal from consideration for employment, appointment, or promotion.

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.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

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

Technical
• Review and analyze technical hydrologic reports associated with the allocation and administration of water resources and apply specialized knowledge of hydrologic principles and practices.
• Plan and implement hydrologic studies and evaluations related to basin or source-specific water supply and demand, and related administration.
• Provide guidance and supervision to watermasters and water districts, ensuring the proper distribution of water resources.
• Mentor and train staff in standard techniques for measuring water flow rates, volumes, and levels.
• Coordinate data collection and management processes; perform related analysis of complex hydrologic data sets.

STAFF HYDROLOGIST LEVEL

Minimum Qualifications
:

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
• Applied statistics related to hydrology

Experience:
• Collecting and analyzing data to evaluate river basin water supply, use, and flow
• 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.

Desired Qualifications and Experience
:
• Ability to spend up to 50% of the work week in the field, year-round, with some overnight stays.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and walk over uneven terrain.
• Knowledge of water resource management
• Knowledge of measuring and monitoring water flows in open or closed conduits
• Knowledge of developing water resource studies and plans involving water supply and use
• Experience in…