Hydrologist III

Pima County is hiring a Hydrologist III to supervise hydrology staff and manage floodplain use permits. Responsibilities include reviewing hydrologic studies, representing the Flood Control District, and overseeing groundwater quality assessments. The position is classified and offers a salary range of $60,487 - $72,585 annually. Applications will be reviewed starting on 03/21/2025. This position is based in Pima, AZ and is not remote.
Job Description Summary Department - Flood Control Job Description OPEN UNTIL FILLED 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 first review of applications will be on 03/21/2025. The Hydrologist III supervises and participates in the work of professional hydrology staff in the creation, review, and analysis of hydrologic and hydraulic reports and studies, approves/disapproves floodplain use permit applications, evaluates groundwater quality and directs the study and placement of remote sensing equipment. This classification also represents the Flood Control District or Wastewater Management as a technical expert in assessment and maintenance of groundwater quality, permissible floodplain uses and management, channel design and related technical issues. 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.) Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application. Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.): Certification as a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM). Experience installing, maintaining, and operating hydrologic monitoring equipment. Experience with/knowledge of the creation, use, and analysis of floodplain models. Experience with/knowledge of federal, state, and local floodplain management regulations and programs such as National Flood Insurance Program. Selection Procedure: Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process. Supplemental Information: Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record. Failure to maintain the required licensure shall be grounds for termination. Some positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application or prior to completion of initial or promotional probation. Failure to obtain/maintain the required licensure shall be grounds for termination. Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. Some positions within this classification that are not covered by the requirements of OSHA’s Blood Borne Pathogen program may be offered, at County expense, the Hepatitis B series of vaccinations due to potential exposure to raw sewage and sharps (discarded needles/syringes). Physical/Sensory Requirements: Some positions may require working in the field in extremes of temperature, sun, wind, rain and dusty conditions for protracted periods. Additional physical and sensory abilities will be determined by position. Working Conditions: Working conditions will be determined by position. EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law. Pima County stands out as an exceptional workplace, offering a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and personal satisfaction. As one of the largest employers in the region, Pima County prioritizes its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique contributions of each employee. Embracing innovation and collaboration, Pima County provides multiple opportunities in which individuals can make a meaningful impact on their community. One of the key advantages of working for Pima County is its comprehensive benefits package. Employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous health insurance coverage, and retirement plans that contribute to long-term financial security. Pima County recognizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible work schedules, a generous family leave policy and wellness programs that prioritize employee well-being. Furthermore, Pima County takes pride in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional advancement through training programs, workshops, and educational reimbursement programs. In addition, a County-wide employee recognition program rewards employees who exemplify the County values of being accountable, respectful and ethical as well as providing great customer service. By joining Pima County, individuals become part of a dedicated team working towards a common goal: enhancing the quality of life for residents and building a vibrant future. Pima County is not just an employer; it's a community that values its employees, encourages their growth, and invests in their success.