Operational Hydrologist

Lynker Technologies; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Lynker Technologies in Atlanta, GA seeks an Operational Hydrologist embedded with the NWS to lead FIRO tool implementation and hydrologic model development. The role emphasizes collaboration with Lynker, CW3E, and NOAA to deliver robust forecasts.

You will work on model development, operational integration with CHPS/HEFS, and disseminate findings through reports and presentations to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Hydrology, Civil or Environmental Eng, Atmospheric Science, or related field.
• OR Master’s degree with 2+ years hydrology, hydrologic modeling, or hydrometeorology experience.
• Hands-on experience with hydrologic models (e.g., SAC-SMA, NWM) and hydrologic forecasting concepts.
• Proficiency in Python or R for scientific programming and data analysis.
• Strong written and oral communication across forecasters, researchers, and partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, testing, and experimental implementation of FIRO tools and other hydrologic models in the SERFC environment.
• Conduct hydrologic research including model development, calibration, testing, verification, and toolbox integration.
• Support integration of new tools/workflows with CHPS and ensure robustness for public safety forecasts.
• Analyze and visualize data to evaluate model performance, ensemble forecasts, and reservoir inflow predictions.

Skills

Hydrologic modeling

Python or R

Communication skills

Collaboration across organizations

Forecasting knowledge

Education

PhD in Hydrology / Civil/Environmental Eng / Atmospheric Science

Master’s degree with 2+ years hydrology experience

Tools

CHPS

HEFS

FIRO

Python

R

Version control

Containerization

Job description

Lynker Technologies

Operational Hydrologist

US-GA-Atlanta

Job ID: 2026-1719

Type: Full-Time

# of Openings: 1

Atlanta, GA

Overview

Lynker Corporation is a leading provider of innovative solutions in weather and climate science. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Lynker leverages cutting-edge technologies and scientific expertise to support the creation and delivery of improved operational weather forecasts.

As part of our ongoing growth and expansion, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Operational Hydrologist to join our growing team

Support & Collaboration: While this role is embedded at the NWS, you will be backed by a robust support network. You will have direct access to the technical resources and subject matter experts at Lynker, regular collaboration with CW3E researchers, and a peer in Lynker’s embedded hydrologist at the Northwest RFC. Lynker program management will support you with planning, progress tracking, and coordination across Lynker, CW3E, CIROH, and NOAA. This ensures you have the institutional backing, data access, and collaborative power needed to succeed in this high‑visibility R2O initiative.

Responsibilities

Duties of the Operational Hydrologist will include the following:

R2O Implementation & Research

• R2O Implementation: Lead the design, testing, and experimental implementation of FIRO decision‑support tools and other advanced hydrologic models and forecasting techniques within the SERFC operational environment.
• Model Development & Testing: Conduct hydrologic research, including model development, calibration, testing, and verification; assist with software testing and implementation, and experiment with new models at the local level.
• Operational Integration: Support the integration of new tools and workflows with the NWS Community Hydrologic Prediction System (CHPS), with attention to the robustness and reliability required for public safety forecasts.
• Analysis & Verification: Analyze and visualize data to evaluate model performance, ensemble forecasts, and reservoir inflow predictions, including during tropical cyclones and other high‑impact events.

Collaboration & Operations‑to‑Research

• Liaison: Serve as the liaison between CIROH, CW3E, Lynker, and SERFC to ensure effective integration of research into operations, and of operations into research.
• Regional Insight: Develop in‑depth knowledge of Southeast hydrology and partner needs, including reservoir operations, and bring those insights back to FIRO researchers to guide future research and development.
• Workflow Improvement: Evaluate existing operational workflows and recommend improvements that enhance efficiency and forecast accuracy.

Communication & Publishing

• Presentations: Present forecasts and research findings to stakeholders and at national scientific conferences.
• Publications: Lead or contribute to annual scientific reports and peer‑reviewed journal articles.

Qualifications

The Operational Hydrologist selected should have the following:

Education & Experience

• A Ph.D. in Hydrology, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Atmospheric Science, or a related discipline (recent graduates are encouraged to apply); OR
• A Master’s degree in a related discipline and 2+ years of professional experience in hydrology, hydrologic modeling, or hydrometeorology.

Hydrologic Modeling: Hands‑on experience with hydrologic models (e.g., SAC‑SMA, the National Water Model, or other conceptual or physically based models) and a solid understanding of hydrologic forecasting concepts.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in Python or R for scientific programming and the analysis of large hydrologic and meteorological datasets.

Communication & Collaboration: Strong written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with forecasters, researchers, and partners across multiple organizations.

The Ideal Hydrologist selected will have the following:

• FIRO & Reservoir Operations: Experience with Forecast‑Informed Reservoir Operations, reservoir operations, or similar water management decision‑support approaches.
• Operational Forecasting: Familiarity with NWS operational forecasting systems, such as CHPS and the Hydrologic Ensemble Forecast Service (HEFS).
• Ensemble Forecasting: Experience with ensemble forecasts, probabilistic verification, or risk‑based decision support.
• Southeast Hydrometeorology: Knowledge of hydrometeorological hazards common to the Southeast, such as tropical cyclones, coastal and compound flooding, and extreme rainfall; or experience with atmospheric river research.
• Software Engineering: Familiarity with modern software development practices (version control, containerization) to streamline model deployment.
• Research Record: Peer‑reviewed publications or presentations at scientific conferences.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results‑driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities – creatively and effectively.

Lynker offers a team‑oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

• Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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