Hydrologist

United Water Conservation District; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

United Water Conservation District seeks a Hydrologist to support water resource monitoring, assessment, and management across the Santa Clara River watershed and Oxnard coastal plain.

The role involves field data collection, calibrating gauges, and maintaining data systems while coordinating with multiple departments to guide water operations and regulatory reporting.

Qualifications

• BS required in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Hydrology or related field.
• 4+ years of progressive professional experience preferred.
• MS degree is a plus and advanced degrees may substitute for experience.

Responsibilities

• Collects and analyzes surface water and groundwater data for watershed monitoring.
• Performs fieldwork to collect hydrologic data and maintain gauges.
• Calibrates stage-discharge relations and maintains data systems.
• Gauges flows and documents water resource conditions for operations.

Skills

Hydrology

Hydraulics

Water resource management

GIS

Data analysis

Education

BS in Civil/Environmental Engineering or Hydrology

MS in Civil Engineering or Hydrology (preferred)

Tools

GPS

Hydrology software

Data management systems

Job description

DEFINITION

Under the supervision of the Water Resources Manager/Supervisor, the Hydrologist supports the District's water resource monitoring, assessment, and management functions by performing a variety of hydrology-related field and office duties. The Hydrologist works with the Water Resources, Operations and Maintenance, Environmental Services, and Engineering Departments staff on surface water issues and related water resource management activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collects, compiles, analyzes and archives information on surface water and groundwater conditions within the Santa Clara River watershed and the Oxnard coastal plain for the purpose of guiding the District's water resource operations to optimize the beneficial use of available water supplies.
• Performs fieldwork associated with the collection of surface water data, groundwater information, and related hydrologic data.
• Assists with monitoring and regulatory reporting efforts related to water resource management.
• Gauges surface water flows at various locations throughout the District.
• Calibrates automated gauges and stage-discharge relationships at the Freeman Diversion and other locations.
• Maintains and updates United's water data management software.
• Assists with planning and monitoring of the District's State Water importation program by evaluating annual water conditions.
• Supports activities related to the releases of storm water from Castaic and Pyramid Lakes by closely monitoring and coordinating releases with DWR, understanding contractual requirements, and verifying the amounts of water received.
• Makes presentations to various technical and non-technical groups. Makes presentations to United's Board of Directors and the Water Resources Committee.
• Provides information as required to all departments to support engineering, planning, environmental and other water resource work by District staff. Evaluates and provides technical information to other governmental entities, the public, and technical consultants. Confirms appropriate use of such information and provides technical assistance as appropriate.
• Generates a monthly report on surface water conditions for the Board of Directors.
• Assists with the development and implementation of surface water studies.
• Assists with the development and calibration of numerical models of surface flows, including interactions with groundwater.
• Assists with permitting of District operations and facilities.
• Represents the District with other agencies and with the public.
• Provides guidance and instructions to technicians and fisheries biologists with respect to hydrological data acquisition, facility operations, and permit requirements for surface water flows for environmental purposes.
• Reviews technical reports and hydraulic modeling results pertained to Santa Felicia Dam and provides support to Engineering and Operations.
• Pilot or coordinate the use of drones for channel surveys.
• Other duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

• Hydrology, hydraulics, water resource management, limnology and civil engineering.
• Practice and principles of stream gauging and flow measurement devices.
• Practice and principles of surveying and field data collection, including GPS devices.
• Surface water modeling and analysis.
• Word Processing, spreadsheets, database operations, and GIS.
• Federal and State Regulations associated with groundwater and surface water, including water quality standards.
• Statistical and unit analysis, methods, and application

Ability to:

• Work with engineers, field, and Environmental Science staff.
• Assist with the optimization of the District's water operations.
• Ability to comprehend and apply principles of algebra, trigonometry, and hydraulics.
• Ability to comprehend calculus.
• Ability to generate and program computer models.
• Ability to apply principles of logical and scientific thinking to solve a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
• Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, maps, etc.). Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to make oral presentations on controversial or complex topics to District management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.
• Ability to work effectively with staff, the public, consultants, and other governmental entities.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet schedules.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Hydrology or related field from a four-year college or university is required. At least 4 years of progressive professional experience relevant to this position is desired. An M.S. degree in Civil Engineering or Hydrology is preferred. Years spent earning relevant advanced degrees may be accepted as a substitute for professional work experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Possession of a valid California driver's license. Ability to earn or applicants who already possess licensing as a Professional Engineer (PE) by the State of California and/or Professional Hydrologist certification by the American Institute of Hydrology is a preferred qualification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors. Outdoor conditions may include rain, high winds, and unusually high or low temperatures and exposure to outside elements. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may also be occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and high, precarious places. The following are additional requirements of the position:

• Mobility: Job tasks are varied and require standing, walking (sometimes on uneven terrain), wading, sitting, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, and crawling.
• Wading in stream channels in order to gauge flows, while carrying equipment; water may be cold.
• Lifting: frequent lifting up to 15 pounds; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Vision: constant use of overall vision, including near vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Dexterity: occasional grasping, fine manipulation, reaching, pushing, and pulling; occasional use of touch to distinguish or identify objects.
• Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.
• Emotional/Psychological: frequent contact with coworkers and others; depending on assignment, may also frequently work alone. The employee is also expected to respond in emergency situations.
• Environmental: exposure to moderate noise levels, and hearing protection may be required at times; occasional exposure to chemicals; occasionally uses smell to distinguish or identify objects.