HYDROLOGY & MODELING ANALYST - UNCLASSIFIED

State of Nevada; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

PERS retirement

No state income tax

Holidays & leave

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Colorado River Commission of Nevada is seeking a Hydrology and Modeling Analyst to support analysis of Colorado River data, modeling, and forecasting. The analyst will contribute to water accounting, reservoir operations, and stakeholder engagement in interstate forums.

The role requires deep experience in hydrological modeling, forecasting, and quantitative analysis, with emphasis on RiverWare-based workflows and defensible forecast methods.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in hydrological modeling, forecasting, or quantitative analysis.
• Advanced experience in forecasting, scenario analysis, and uncertainty evaluation.
• Experience developing, calibrating, validating, and improving models.
• Strong data analysis skills with large environmental datasets.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate model assumptions and integrate new data.
• Apply and improve hydrologic models including RiverWare/CRMMS/CRSS.
• Conduct advanced quantitative analysis of hydrology, drought, and climate variability.
• Support water accounting and stakeholder coordination.

Skills

Forecasting

Uncertainty evaluation

Hydrologic modeling

Data analysis

Tools

Python

R

MATLAB

Job description

• No Nevada state income tax.

Job Summary

The Colorado River Commission of Nevada seeks a Hydrology and Modeling Analyst to support analysis of Colorado River data, modeling, and forecasting. The position will also support Colorado River water accounting activities, including analysis of consumptive use, reservoir storage, and system operations, and will represent the Commission in technical meetings, interstate working groups, and stakeholder forums related to Colorado River management.

Essential Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in hydrological modeling, forecasting, or quantitative analysis required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong preference for candidates with demonstrated experience in forecasting, scenario analysis, and uncertainty evaluation.
• Advanced experience in hydrologic or water systems modeling and forecasting
• Experience with statistical, time-series, or predictive modeling techniques
• Experience developing, calibrating, validating, and improving models
• Strong data analysis skills with large environmental datasets
• Programming experience (Python, R, MATLAB, or similar) strongly preferred
• Experience with RiverWare or similar modeling platforms highly desirable

Job Duties

Responsibilities include evaluating model assumptions, integrating new data sources, and enhancing modeling workflows to support robust and defensible forecasts. The Modeler will apply and evaluate Bureau of Reclamation RiverWare models (24-Month Study, CRMMS, CRSS) and develop, refine, calibrate, and improve hydrologic and operational forecasting methodologies. The Modeler will also conduct advanced quantitative analysis of hydrology, drought, climate variability, and regulatory drivers.

Overall Expectations

• Evaluate model assumptions and integrate new data
• Apply and improve hydrologic models
• Conduct quantitative analysis of climate and hydrology
• Support water accounting and stakeholder coordination.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong preference for candidates with demonstrated experience in forecasting, scenario analysis, and uncertainty evaluation.
• Experience with RiverWare, CRSS, CRMMS
• Experience with hydropower forecasting or reservoir operations
• Experience with advanced forecasting methods (statistical, stochastic, or machine learning)
• Experience evaluating model performance and uncertainty
• Familiarity with Colorado River Basin operations

The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.

Benefits Include

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP).
• Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
• Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
• Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of “standard” or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.

Additional benefits

may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU).

For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF).

State Holidays

The holiday schedule for State employees is established by the Legislature.

The Following Are Legal Holidays

January 1.............................................. New Year's Day

Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday

Third Monday in February................ Washington’s Birthday

Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day

June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day

July 4.................................................... Independence Day

First Monday in September.............. Labor Day

Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day

November 11........................................ Veterans' Day

Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day

Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day

December 25........................................ Christmas Day

When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday. Eligibility for holiday pay is covered by the provisions of NAC 284.255