Lead Hydrologist

City of Tucson; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 92,122,867 - 138,198,076; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tucson Water Department is seeking two Lead Hydrologists to lead teams of hydrologists, technicians, and interns in support of the Source Water Division’s programs. The roles supervise units and collaborate with the Chief Hydrologist to support well drilling, recharge and recovery activities, water resource planning, reporting, and regulatory compliance.

One position will lead the Recharge & Special Projects Unit; the other will lead the Field Unit.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of relevant experience; substitutions allowed year-for-year.
• Valid and unrestricted Arizona Class D Driver License.
• Master’s degree in Hydrology, Water Resources Management, or related field preferred.
• Experience in aquifer recharge projects and water resource management.
• Supervising, developing, and managing professional staff preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead hydrology teams on water resource programs and infrastructure projects.
• Oversee well drilling, recharge and recovery activities, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with stakeholders and regulators; ensure regulatory compliance.
• Manage CIP planning, budgeting, and project schedules.
• Provide technical oversight and QA for hydrologic projects.
• Mentor staff and conduct performance evaluations.

Skills

Strong communication

Collaboration

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree in Hydrology / Water Resources

Job description

Posting Close Date Applicants must submit their completed application by 07-29-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Position Overview

The City of Tucson Water Department is seeking two Lead Hydrologists to lead teams of hydrologists, technicians, and interns in support of the Source Water Division’s water resource management and infrastructure programs. Each position supervises an assigned unit and works with the Chief Hydrologist and division staff to support well drilling, recharge and recovery activities, water resource planning, reporting, and regulatory compliance.

• One position will lead the Recharge & Special Projects Unit.
• One position will lead the Field Unit.

Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills are essential for success in these roles.

Application Requirements

• Updated resume
• Cover letter addressing the required questions below

If you possess any of the preferred qualifications listed in the job posting and would like them to be considered during the recruitment process, the experience must be clearly described and verifiable in your resume and cover letter.

Applicants will be evaluated based on the education and work experience provided in their employment profile, resume, and cover letter. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in a written examination.

Cover Letter Questions

1. Describe your experience/education managing water resource projects, including groundwater, wells, recharge, or recovery activities.
2. Describe your experience/education supervising, mentoring, and developing hydrology or technical staff.
3. Describe your experience/education with regulatory compliance, technical reporting, and coordinating with stakeholders.

Position Description

The Lead Hydrologist position at the City of Tucson’s Water Department is responsible for leading water resource programs and managing related infrastructure activities that support the delivery of high-quality potable and recycled water services. This position provides oversight for well drilling, recharge and recovery activities, water resource planning, technical reporting, and regulatory compliance functions while supporting the goals and objectives of Source Water and other Divisions.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Chief Hydrologist. This position exercises supervision over hydrology personnel. Manages water production and monitoring well projects, including well drilling, rehabilitation, infrastructure assessments, field investigations, and oversight of design, permitting, and construction activities. Administers the well drilling program, including Capital Improvement Program (CIP) planning, budgeting, project management, and coordination of related technical activities. Drives to various worksites to conduct inspections and audits. Leads and supervises a team of professional hydrology staff responsible for implementing division projects and programs. Plans, assigns, and monitors workloads, timecards, reviews workloads, conducts performance evaluations, and supports employee development. Monitors groundwater aquifer conditions, including water levels and water quality, and oversees field investigations, annual groundwater level and elevation maps, and related technical reports. Manages surface water and reclaimed water recharge and recovery programs, including project planning, design, permitting, operations, maintenance, regulatory compliance, and reporting activities. Administers recharge and recovery agreements and coordinates with partners, utility leadership, regulatory agencies, consultants, and stakeholders to support program objectives and successful project implementation. Provides technical oversight and quality assurance for hydrologic projects through data review, report preparation, field oversight, project coordination, engineering support, and review of project deliverables. Manages consultant and contractor agreements, project schedules, budgets, and deliverables while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, permits, policies, and industry standards. Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions: Indoor and outdoor work with some exposure to physical, ergonomic, or emotional hazardous environment. All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of relevant experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
• Valid and unrestricted Arizona Class D Driver License - Arizona Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Hydrology, Water Resources Management, or a related field.
• Experience in Aquifer recharge projects and water resource management programs.
• Well design, permitting, and drilling activities.
• Regulatory compliance related to water resources and utility operations.
• Supervising, developing, and managing professional staff.

Position Details

Job Profile J2041 - Lead Hydrologist

To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.

Compensation

Grade G109 Hourly Range $32.15 - 48.23 USD

Position Type

Regular Time Type Full time

Background Check

This position has been designated to require a criminal background check. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

About Us

The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Life coverage
• Disability coverage
• FSA coverage
• 401(k) program surpassed by a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings
• 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years
• Twelve weeks of paid parental leave
• Paid tuition reimbursement
• Student loan repayment
• Off- and on-the-job training
• Opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups
• Paid volunteer hours

Citizenship

The City of Tucson employs only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. Citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer

The City does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).

ADA Accessibility Complaint Form

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] or 520-791-2619.

Recruiter Information

Recruiter Name Roxie Escarcega (49375) Recruiter Email [e-mail]. For Human Resources general questions please contact 520-837-4190.

City Organization

The City of Tucson, founded in 1775 and incorporated in 1877, is a City Manager-led Mayor and Council government organization comprised of over 5,000 dedicated employees.

Tucson Community

The City of Tucson is recognized as a Top 20 “Best City in America” by Resonance Consultancy. Tucson, Arizona, is a thriving center for bioscience, aerospace/defense, optics, mining, and logistics. With a city population of more than 540,000 and a regional population of more than 1 million, Tucson has 330-plus days of sunshine a year and is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges. A small-town feel with big-city amenities complements its natural beauty. You can learn more about Tucson, Arizona, at Visit Tucson, Arizona.

Miscellaneous Contact

For system related questions please contact [e-mail]. For general Human Resources questions please contact 520-791-4241.