Lead Hydrologist

tucsonaz; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; 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 water resource management and infrastructure programs.

Each position supervises an assigned unit and works with the Chief Hydrologist to support well drilling, recharge and recovery activities, water resource planning, reporting, and regulatory compliance. Strong communication and leadership are essential.

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of hydrology staff and interns.
• Oversee well drilling, recharge and recovery activities.
• Manage water resource planning, reporting, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate CIP budgeting and project management across divisions.
• Liaise with partners and regulatory agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Posting Close Date

Applicants must submit their completed application by 09-01-2026 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.

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

• 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 activ