Hydrologist II - Regional Flood Control

Pima County; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Pima County's Regional Flood Control District seeks a Hydrologist II to lead floodplain management activities, review hydrologic studies, and coordinate with public and private developers. The role emphasizes field investigations, data interpretation, and regulatory compliance.

The chosen candidate will assess development plans, interpret Floodplain Management Ordinances, and support groundwater monitoring initiatives in a team-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hydrology, hydrogeology, geology, earth science, water resources, environmental science, civil engineering, agricultural engineering, environmental engineering, or a closely related field and two years of experience.
• OR two years with Pima County as a Hydrologist I; documentation required in application.

Responsibilities

• Review hydrologic and hydraulic reports submitted with development plans, improvement plans, subdivision plats and floodplain use permits.
• Inspect subdivision and development sites to verify accuracy of hydrologic data.
• Review and recommend approval/disapproval of development plan waiver requests.
• Investigate drainage complaints and cite violators of Floodplain Management Ordinance(s).
• Conduct hydrologic and hydraulic studies and prepare reports.
• Identify flood status of land parcels and delineate permitted uses and restrictions per ordinance and design standards.
• Estimate flood hazards and develop floodplain maps using hydraulic analysis.
• Monitor flood control projects for compliance with design specifications.

Skills

Hydrology

Groundwater knowledge

Field investigation

Education

Bachelor's degree in hydrology or related field

Job description

Job Description Summary Department - Regional Flood Control

Job Type: Classified

Job Classification: 5418 - Hydrologist II

Salary Grade: 14

Pay Range: $65,457 - $78,540

Hiring Range: $65,457 - $91,644 Annually

Range Explanation: Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.

The Pima County Regional Flood Control District's mission is to protect the health, safety and welfare of Pima County residents by providing comprehensive flood protection programs and floodplain management services that emphasize fiscal responsibility, protection of natural resources, and providing a balanced multi-objective approach to managing regional watercourses, floodplains, and stormwater resources.

The successful candidate's primary responsibility will be within the Floodplain Management Division's ordinance enforcement program. Responsibilities include researching and investigating complaints from the public, property records reviews, interpreting and applying requirements of the Floodplain Management Ordinance, and working with property owners to resolve violations. Additional responsibilities could include other division functions such as determining floodplain use permit requirements, program development, and drafting regulations.

Essential Functions:

• Reviews and approves hydrologic and hydraulic reports submitted with development plans, improvement plans, subdivision plats and floodplain use permits;
• Inspects subdivision and development sites to verify accuracy of hydrologic data;
• Reviews and recommends approval/disapproval of development plan waiver requests;
• Investigates drainage complaints and cites violators of the Floodplain Management Ordinance(s);
• Conducts hydrologic and hydraulic studies and prepares reports;
• Identifies flood status of land parcels and delineates permitted uses and restrictions in accordance with Floodplain Management Ordinance(s) and channel design standards;
• Estimates flood hazards and develops floodplain maps using computerized hydrologic and hydraulic analysis;
• Reviews hydrologic and hydraulic aspects of flood control improvement projects for compliance with the Floodplain Management Ordinance(s) and channel design standards;
• Monitors the flood control warning system and interprets system data;
• Inspects flood control improvement projects to insure compliance with design specifications;
• Reviews and approves/disapproves site analyses submitted with rezoning applications;
• Assists in the development of groundwater monitoring programs and implements approved programs;
• Compiles and reviews groundwater quality data;
• Monitors groundwater quality at county wastewater treatment facilities;
• Assists in the direction of outside consultants investigating groundwater quality at county wastewater treatment facilities;
• Coordinates and oversees the drilling of groundwater quality monitor wells;
• Conducts groundwater pumping tests and interprets pumping test data;
• Assists in the establishment and review of liquid and solid waste management standards and procedures to insure compliance with state and Federal Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in hydrology, hydrogeology, geology, earth science, water resources, atmospheric science, environmental science, civil engineering, agricultural engineering, environmental engineering, or a closely related field as defined by the department head at the time of the recruitment AND two years of experience in hydrology, hydrogeology or watershed management.
• OR: Two years with Pima County as a Hydrologist I. (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:

• Knowledge of FEMA Floodplain Management regulations.
• Experience with/knowledge of water resource management, including floodplain, surface water, or groundwater.
• Experience with enforcing regulations for a public agency.
• Experience with investigation work in the field (i.e. outside the office).
• Certified Floodplain Manager.

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.

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). Pima County determines whether a position is eligible for visa sponsorship at the time of recruitment. Eligibility is based on the requirements of the position and applicable laws and regulations. Not all positions with Pima County are eligible for visa sponsorship.

Physical/Sensory Requirements:

Action Activity - bending, climbing, kneeling, reaching, squatting and stooping; Motion Activity - simple and firm grasping and fine movement; Hearing Activity - in noisy areas, behind themselves, and equipment alarms; Speaking Activity - in person, on the phone and on a cell; Vision - operate a motor vehicle, distinguish colors, have depth perception and have peripheral vision.

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.