Hydrologist, Staff

IdahoPTV; Boise (ID); On-site; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The Idaho Department of Water Resources seeks a hydrology specialist to join the Hydrology Section in Boise, ID. You will collect and analyze hydrologic data, prepare reports, and support water resource programs with field measurements and data management.

Qualified candidates have a degree in a physical science with hydrology coursework and experience with data systems and GIS tools. This full-time role offers a comprehensive benefits package in a professional office setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include a college degree in a physical science with hydrology/hydrogeology emphasis.
• Experience with data collection and analysis for river basin water supply, use, and flow.

Responsibilities

• Collect, manage, review, and analyze hydrologic data using water data management software.
• Prepare technical reports summarizing hydrologic data and analyses.
• Measure surface water discharge using acoustic Doppler equipment, weirs, and flumes.
• Maintain and troubleshoot telemetry at monitoring sites and data loggers.

Skills

Hydrology principles

Data analysis

QA/QC data

Technical report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in a physical science (hydrology, hydrogeology, geology, water resources)

Tools

Aquarius

WISKI

ArcGIS Pro

Job description

USA:ID:Boise | Natural Resources | Full Time

30.02 - 30.02 USD per hour

Posted 2 days ago | Apply before October 18, 2026

Description

State of Idaho Opportunity

Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

NOTICE: Due to a recent system improvement, if you have previously applied for a position with the State of Idaho, select Reset/Forgot Password and follow the prompts to access your account.For additional assistance, refer to the Candidate Guide located under Candidate Resources on the State of Idaho Careers page.

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 (IDWR) is offering an exciting opportunity for an individual to impact water management in Idaho. The position is in the Hydrology Section and is based at the state office in Boise, Idaho. It is open to hydrologists who have knowledge of principles, theories, and practices pertaining to surface and groundwater hydrology.

The selected individual will work with a team responsible for implementing the State of Idaho's water resource programs and initiatives on behalf of IDWR. At IDWR, employees enjoy autonomy, work-life balance, field work, and a professional yet relaxed environment.

Example of Duties

• Collect, manage, review, and analyze hydrologic data using water data management software, including performing data QA/QC
• Prepare technical reports and other materials summarizing hydrologic data and analyses
• Measure surface water discharge from springs, streams, drains, and canals using acoustic Doppler equipment, weirs, and flumes
• Maintain and troubleshoot telemetered hydrologic monitoring sites, including data loggers, sensors, flow meters, and associated power systems, with an emphasis on radio, cellular, and satellite telemetry
• Assist with site selection and develop equipment specifications for monitoring spring flows, irrigation return flows, and other surface water bodies
• Ensure data collected at monitoring sites are successfully transmitted to and stored in appropriate data management systems
• Assist with or be responsible for developing and managing Memoranda of Agreement with project partners

Minimum Qualifications

Good knowledge of:

• Principles, theories, and practices of hydrology including those pertaining to surface water flow, climate, evapotranspiration, water yield, and surface-ground water relationships
• Applied statistics related to hydrology

Experience:

• Collecting and analyzing data to evaluate river basin water supply, use, 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.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of water resource management
• Experience collecting, managing, analyzing, and reporting on natural resource-related data
• Experience with computer applications, programming languages (e.g., C#, Visual Basic, R, or Python), databases (e.g., Aquarius or WISKI), and Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS Pro)
• Knowledge of methods for measuring and monitoring water flow in open or closed conduits
• Experience with general electronics and electromechanical devices
• Experience using GPS equipment for field data collection
• Experience installing, troubleshooting, and repairing scientific monitoring equipment, including data loggers and programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
• Experience installing, troubleshooting, and repairing telemetry equipment such as cellular modems, radio modems, and GOES satellite telemetry

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 accommodations 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 [phone] (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [e-mail].

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