Hydrologist III

Pima County is seeking a Hydrologist III for its Environmental Quality Department in Tucson, AZ. The role involves overseeing stormwater programs, conducting fieldwork (75%), and administrative tasks (25%). Responsibilities include supervising staff, reviewing development plans, interpreting floodplain regulations, and managing groundwater quality projects. The position requires working in various weather conditions. Salary ranges from $60,487 to $72,585 annually based on experience.
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OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Department - Environmental Quality

Job Type: Classified

Job Classification: 5345 - Hydrologist III

Salary Grade: 14

Pay Range

Hiring Range: $60,487 - $72,585 Annually

Full Range: $60,487 - $84,682 Annually

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification.

The Hydrologist III works in the Stormwater Program in the Environmental Quality Department and is primarily responsible for sampling, mapping, inspections, and report writing. Field work is 75% and 25% administrative. The ability to work in inclement weather conditions is essential.

Essential Functions:

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.
• Supervises professional and support staff performing hydrologic and hydraulic studies and reviewing studies submitted by developers and engineering firms;
• Reviews and approves/disapproves development plans, improvement plans and subdivision plats for compliance with the Floodplain Management Ordinance(s) and channel design standard;
• Interprets the Floodplain Management Ordinance(s) and other laws, rules and regulations dealing with floodplains and hydrology;
• Represents the Flood Control District at meetings of the Subdivision and Development Review Committee (SDRC);
• Reviews floodplain use permit applications and issues/denies the permit;
• Meets with consulting engineers to explain deficiencies in hydrologic and hydraulic reports and to resolve differences;
• Determines the need for and supervises the installation and maintenance of rain, gauges, flow meters and other components of the flood warning system;
• Develops and administers master drainage basin plans;
• Serves as Flood Control District representative for the creation of flood control policies for area plans;
• Contributes to the design of flood mitigation and habitat restoration projects;
• Directs consultants investigating groundwater quality at county wastewater treatment facilities and waste disposal sites;
• Evaluates and interprets groundwater quality data;
• Determines the need for and supervises the installation and maintenance of groundwater quality monitoring, rain gauges, storm tracking and flood warning systems;
• Establishes and reviews Wastewater Management standards and procedures to ensure compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines;
• Determines the need for and coordinates the installation of special equipment such as storm tracking display and lightening detection and recording systems;
• Prepares the budget for the section supervised and monitors expenditures.

DEQ-Stormwater Program Hydrologist III
• Implements stormwater sampling program by manual or automatic sample collection during surface flow events.
• Responsible for the maintenance of the stormwater sampling equipment and/or the procuring of preventative maintenance services.
• Evaluates and interprets surface water quality data.
• Conducts inspections of construction sites, industrial facilities, County facilities and potential illicit discharge sites to reduce or eliminate pollutant discharges in compliance with the MS4 permit.
• Develops plan for non-compliance conditions that includes corrective actions or remediation.
• Develops, implements, and documents stormwater compliance training for County staff, construction contractors, and industrial facility operators.
• Develops and conducts a stormwater outreach program including presentations, literature, webpages, and public events.
• Manages and interprets data from sampling program, inspections, and outreach program to assess program effectiveness.
• Coordinates stormwater program objectives with County departments, government agencies, contractors, businesses and the public.
• Determines the need for and coordinates the implementation of protocols, equipment, or outreach activities to maintain compliance with County codes, State statutes and regulations, and EPA/Federal regulations.
• Contributes to development of County policies and practices protective of surface water quality, preservation of water resources and associated habitats, and reduction of urban heat island.

DEQ-Landfill Hydrologist III
• Attain compliance of all relevant landfill and closed landfill regulatory requirements outlined in the Master Facility Plan Approvals (MFPA), Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs), Aquifer Protection Permits (APPs), Pima County Code (PCC), Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Implement groundwater sampling, gas monitoring and leachate purges at the landfills as required by facility plans, permits, State statutes, and Federal regulations and follow through with the submittal of the required reports to same.
• Operate, maintain, and/or have knowledge of essential field and technical equipment required to successfully perform landfill tasks including sampling generator on trailer, leachate tank on trailer, 4-wheel drive truck, gas analyzer, water level indicator, flow meters, pumps, and electricity and electrical panel.
• Conduct inspections of landfills, transfer stations and rural collection centers as required by ADEQ permits and department standards subsequently providing instructions to site operators for required changes and/or repairs.
• Develop scopes of work, followed by the selection, and supervision of a contractor to perform groundwater well or gas monitoring probe replacement and/or repair, landfill slope erosion repair, drainage systems maintenance, leachate and stormwater ponds maintenance, grounds, security and fence maintenance/repair.
• Analyze sampling data, conduct project research, evaluate technical solutions, monitor operations status or remediation requirements of PC landfills.
• Communicate both verbally and in writing with other government agencies, businesses, County departments and the public we serve as County employees.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in hydrology, hydrogeology, geology, earth science, atmospheric science, environmental science, civil engineering, agricultural engineering, or environmental engineering, or a closely related field as defined by the department head at the time of the recruitment AND four years of experience in hydrology, hydrogeology or watershed management.

OR:

Two years with Pima County as a Hydrologist II.

(Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience conducting stormwater inspections at construction sites, industrial facilities, and illicit discharge complaint sites for compliance with the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requirements.
• Experience collecting samples during storm events and following protocols for lab deliveries.
• Experience interpreting and complying with federal, state and county environmental regulations, including the MS4 permit.
• Experience with ESRI products such as ArcGIS, and/or ArcMap, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience programming, trouble shooting, and maintaining remote sampling equipment.
• Experience working in an office environment and in the field in all weather conditions.