Survey Hydrogeologist

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive insurance options

Employee and dependent scholarship

Robust retirement plans

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln invites applications for a Survey Hydrogeologist with the Conservation and Survey Division. You will conduct applied hydrogeology and geology research, support water resources programs, and collaborate with state agencies and faculty to advance groundwater understanding and management.

Minimum qualifications include a geology/hydrogeology degree with field-methods experience; strong teamwork and GIS skills are essential for reporting and outreach activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in geology, hydrogeology, or closely related field plus two years of field methods experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work well as part of a team.
• Understanding of hydrogeology principles including surface-water interactions and groundwater contamination.
• Experience with GIS (ArcPro) and LiDAR data or related experience.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet university driver requirements.

Responsibilities

• Conduct applied research on hydrogeology and geology.
• Assist in maintaining databases, web services, and ongoing research programs for water resources management and education.
• Provide technical support to state/local agencies including NRDs across Nebraska.
• Participate in geologic mapping programs and present findings at venues.
• Develop and deliver programs related to groundwater sustainability and resource management.
• Collaborate with faculty and Division personnel on projects.

Skills

Geology

Hydrogeology

GIS

Field methods

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in geology/hydrogeology

M.S. in geology/hydrogeology (preferred)

Tools

ArcGIS/ArcPro

LiDAR data

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Position Information

Working Title

Working Title Survey Hydrogeologist

Department

Department Survey Division - School of Nat Res-0887

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260694

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 08/25/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 10/01/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

The Conservation and Survey Division (Nebraska Geological Survey), the natural resource survey component of the School of Natural Resources, is a unique, multi-disciplinary research, service and data-resource organization. The Division’s mission is to investigate and record information about Nebraska’s geologic history, its rock and mineral resources, the quantity and quality of its water resources, land cover and other aspects of its geography, as well as the nature, distribution and uses of its soils.

As a Survey Hydrogeologist, you will:

• Conduct applied research on hydrogeology and geology .
• Assist in implementing and maintaining Conservation and Survey Division’s databases, web services, and ongoing research programs to be used in water resources management, research, and education.
• Provide technical support to state and local agencies, including the Natural Resources Districts across Nebraska
• Participate in the geologic mapping program.
• Prepare formal and informal technical reports and presentations on water resources projects and issues. Develop and deliver programs/activities related to hydrogeology, sustainable use of groundwater, and quantity and quality of groundwater.
• Provide water resources service to governmental and educational agencies, industry, and the general public.
• Assist public and governmental agencies in developing programs to monitor and manage water and other natural resources.
• Respond to questions by evaluating and interpreting data.
• Present findings at various venues including seminars, workshops, guest lectures, and national scientific meetings.
• Work collaboratively with School of Natural Resources Environmental Science faculty and Conservation and Survey Division personnel.

About Us

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and recently earned the Lincoln Family Friendly Workplace certification. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.

When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:

• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
• Employee and dependent scholarship programs to pursue higher education
• Robust retirement plans with university match

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See

https://go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination

EEO Statement

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, or closely related field plus two years of experience with geologic or hydrogeologic field methods, including drilling, coring, groundwater-level measurements, groundwater sampling, and field mapping or related experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work well as part of a team.
• Demonstrable understanding of principles of hydrogeology, including surface water-groundwater interactions and groundwater contamination.
• Experience with geographic information systems ( GIS ) (ArcPro) and the use of LiDAR data or related experience.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred, but not required:

• M.S. in geology, hydrogeology, or a closely related field and/or at least five years of professional experience.
• Ability to produce a refined geologic and hydrogeologic framework for western Nebraska that can be applied to groundwater supply and other issues.
• Familiarity with geophysical methods and interest in their local to regional applications.
• Understanding of and ability to investigate vadose-zone processes and phenomena such as nitrate transport.

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required Yes

Physical Required

Physical Required No

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances. No

Criminal History Background Check Required

Criminal History Background Check Required Yes

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Job Category (old)

Job Category (old) Managerial/Professional

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5) Flexible when field work is required

Work Location (City, State)

Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? Yes

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date:

Appointment End Date

Supplemental Questions

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