Hydrologist II

North Dakota Department of Water Resources; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 73,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage (optional)

Vision coverage (optional)

Retirement plan

Paid leave

New hire leave

Job summary

North Dakota Department of Water Resources seeks a Hydrologist II to manage surface water resources, analyze hydrologic data, and provide technical advice. You will work on water rights, perform field work, and collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies.

The role requires a BS in engineering or earth/environmental sciences, strong communication skills, and willingness to travel. Master’s degree and hydrology experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, earth sciences, environmental sciences, or closely related field.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and able and willing to travel as necessary.
• Ability to safely navigate uneven terrain.

Responsibilities

• Manage surface water permits and applicants in an assigned area and make recommendations to the Department of Water Resources Director and State Engineer.
• Document, organize, analyze, and interpret hydrologic data.
• Provide technical advice on surface water resource problems.
• Conduct surface water resource investigations and studies.
• Occasional travel for field work or meetings.
• Measure and record stream and river discharges, sometimes in unfavorable conditions.
• Work with local, state, and federal agencies on water resource issues.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or earth/environmental sciences

Tools

Python

R

QGIS

Hydrologic modeling software

Job description

Are you passionate about the management and development of natural resources? Do you understand that water is one of our most valuable and important resources? If you want to be part of a dedicated and talented team that works to responsibly manage North Dakota’s water resources for a resilient future - then this employment opportunity might be for you. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is looking for a Hydrologist II to serve the citizens of our state as a part of Team ND.

DWR offers rewarding career opportunities with a competitive benefits package that includes fully paid health insurance for employees and their families, optional dental and vision coverage, retirement plan options, voluntary insurance programs, and accrued annual and sick leave.

The State of ND offers 40 hours of new hire leave at the beginning of employment, in addition to standard monthly leave accruals. Team members who were previously employed with a state agency and are eligible for reinstatement, as defined in NDAC 4-07-05-01.1, or who are granted an interagency transfer are not eligible for new hire leave.

The salary range for this position is $6,500 to $7,000 per month (dependent upon experience).

Summary of Work

As a surface water hydrologist with the North Dakota Department of Water Resources, you will have an impact on the sustainable management of surface water resources, in an environment that provides many opportunities to learn using robust datasets and technology. The management of water rights requires an interdisciplinary approach of water policy, science, and data management.

Duties and Tasks

• Manage surface water permits and applicants in an assigned area and make recommendations to the Department of Water Resources Director and State Engineer.
• Document, organize, analyze, and interpret hydrologic data.
• Provide technical advice on surface water resource problems.
• Conduct surface water resource investigations and studies.
• Occasional travel for field work or meetings.
• Measure and record stream and river discharges, sometimes in unfavorable conditions.
• Work with local, state, and federal agencies on water resource issues.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, earth sciences, environmental sciences, or closely related field.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and able and willing to travel as necessary.
• Ability to safely navigate uneven terrain.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master of Science degree in engineering, earth sciences, environmental sciences, or closely related field.
• Courses or work experience in hydrology, surface water management, or water resource management program.
• Knowledge of North Dakota water law.
• Experience writing technical reports.
• Experience working in a regulatory program.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of programming language for data analysis (e.g., Python, R) and open-source geographic information systems software (e.g., QGIS).
• Experience with hydrologic and hydraulic modeling software.

Applicants who experience difficulties during the application process should contact [e-mail] or [phone].

For questions regarding this position’s duties or requirements, please contact Missy Schmidt at [phone] or [e-mail].

TTY users may use Relay North Dakota at 711 or 1 [phone].