HYDROGEOLOGIST, STAFF/TECHNICAL

Description

A STATE OF IDAHO OPPORTUNITY

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 is offering an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about making an impact on Idaho’s water future. Join the Groundwater Unit within the Hydrology Section, where you'll dive into exciting hydrogeologic investigations and tackle quantitative hydrogeologic analyses. This is your chance to play a key role in shaping the management of Idaho’s water resources—an impactful and rewarding challenge for anyone looking to make a meaningful contribution to the state’s environmental and resource management efforts.

There are two levels for this job opening – Staff Hydrogeologist and Technical Hydrogeologist. The Staff Hydrogeologist is the entry level for the Hydrogeologist classification. Through on-the-job training, classroom training, achievement of team and agency goals, and Professional Geologist licensure in Idaho, there will be opportunities for a Staff Hydrogeologist to progress to the Technical Hydrogeologist level in the Hydrogeologist career track. A Technical Hydrogeologist is expected to handle more difficult projects with little supervision.

Example of Duties

Staff Hydrogeologist Level

• Conduct hydrologic studies and evaluations, including field work, related to water occurrence, availability, use, flow, regulation, and administration
• Prepare written technical reports to document studies and analyses
• Perform or oversee water resource data collection following standard procedures
• Provide technical review and generate comments on the hydrologic aspects of technical reports and permit/license applications
• Develop water budgets and conceptual models of aquifer systems
• Participate on technical committees involved in developing solutions to water resource problems
• Make oral presentations to agency personnel and the public

Technical Hydrogeologist Level

• Apply intensive and diversified knowledge of hydrogeologic principles and practices within a specialty area
• Plan, conduct, and coordinate detailed phases of hydrogeologic work
• Provide technical assistance and make oral presentations to staff, other agencies, public officials, the general public, and industry, and represent the department in meetings
• Design and/or review groundwater monitoring networks
• Conduct analyses and report on large, complex water data sets for regulatory and management purposes
• Improve techniques and procedures for water resource evaluation, administration, and management
• Develop and implement program standards and regulations
• Testify in administrative hearings or legal proceedings

Minimum Qualifications

Staff Hydrogeologist Level

Good knowledge of: 

• Principles, theories, and practices of groundwater hydrology or hydrogeology including those pertaining to groundwater flow

Experience: 

• Collecting and analyzing data to evaluate groundwater characteristics and flow

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.

Technical Hydrogeologist Level

Experience: 

• Designing and implementing statewide and/or regional operations and/or programs in one of the following hydrogeologic specialties: (1) groundwater flow and monitoring, (2) groundwater quality monitoring and protection or regional groundwater modeling; or (3) reviewing hydrogeologic analyses and making decisions relative to their merit
• Registration as a Professional Geologist is required as defined in Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 28 (**Registration as a Professional Geologist is required within six months of hire)

Typically gained by at least four years of work experience as a hydrologist or hydrogeologist. A master's degree in a related field such as hydrology, hydrogeology, geology, geosciences, water resources, environmental science, or engineering can qualify for one year of additional experience. A Ph.D. in one of the related fields can qualify for two years of experience.

Additional Qualifications

• Must possess a valid driver's license

Desired Qualifications

Staff Hydrogeologist Level

• Knowledge and/or experience preparing aquifer water budgets and developing conceptual and/or computer models of aquifer systems
• Knowledge and/or experience applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Knowledge and/or experience working with hydrologic databases
• Experience writing and editing computer scripts and programs
• Experience providing technical assistance to an interdisciplinary team working on resource management issues

Technical Hydrogeologist Level

• Experience conducting analyses and writing and reviewing technical reports on large, complex water data sets for regulatory and/or management purposes

• Experience making oral presentations on scientific subjects to technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience participating in public and professional meetings or conferences
• Knowledge of water resource management related to state and federal laws and regulations

Benefits

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

To learn more about the Idaho Department of Water Resources, please visit our website: https://idwr.idaho.gov.

Our Mission: To serve the citizens of Idaho by ensuring that water is conserved and available to sustain Idaho's economy, ecosystems, and resulting quality of life.

EEO/ADA/Veteran

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.