Description

This is a continuous recruitment. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible for priority consideration.

SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Water Resources Supervisor/Manager, this position supports implementation of the District’s water resources functions and initiatives, including: water resources management and planning, studies and assessments of groundwater and surface water flow and occurrence, water supply project assessment and development, basin optimization, saline water intrusion, SGMA implementation, routine data collection and management, and interactions with policy groups, regulators and the public. This is an exempt salaried position. The Senior Hydrogeologist will be working with a group of talented professionals with extensive experience in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, groundwater and surface water modeling, environmental scientists, civil engineers and environmental services field technicians and operators.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILIITES

Receives direction from the Water Resources Supervisor/Manager. The Senior Hydrogeologist position has the responsibility for certain department tasks and initiatives and helps to train and develop the hydrogeologists and field staff within the Water Resources Department.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support the Board of Directors, General Manager, Assistant General Manager and Water Resources Supervisor/Manager with the implementation of District objectives, strategies and programs related to water resources.
Help to train and occasionally act in a lead or supervisory capacity to provide guidance to Water Resources Department hydrogeologists and field technicians supporting water resources operational needs, and providing direction, senior review, and leadership to ensure District and departmental goals are met.
Support and/or manage the development and implementation of various studies, plans, reports, and monitoring programs addressing specific groundwater supply and water quality issues, and surface water issues, as necessary or required, in support of the goals and mission of the District, including long-term water supply sustainability.

Perform technical/analytical work, including preparation of reports and conduct occasional fieldwork associated with the collection of geologic, groundwater, and related hydrologic data.
Perform mapping of hydrostratigraphic units as required.
Assist with the design of monitoring and production wells, oversee and report on well construction activities.

Represent the District and its mission, policies, and operations as they relate to water resource and supply issues with governmental agencies, policy groups, various other organizations, and the public.
Lead periodic revisions to the District’s groundwater elevation and water quality monitoring programs.
Take a lead role in supporting the District’s efforts to support local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) in developing and implementing their Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs).
Help to manage the work of consultants hired to assist the District with studies or projects.
Assist with District efforts to comply with CEQA and NEPA requirements, and other permits as needed, in collaboration with the District project leads.
Assist with District outreach programs and events including giving facility tours and making presentations to various groups and stakeholders.
Maintain good working relationships with District staff and key representatives from other agencies and organizations.
Mentor staff and assist with staff development.

Typical Qualifications

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Geology, hydrogeology, groundwater basin management, aquifer analysis, water quality, geochemistry, borehole analysis, and well construction technology.
Functions, procedures, and organization of state and federal government agencies with authority over water issues.
Groundwater and surface water modeling methods and applications.
Federal and State regulations associated with groundwater and surface water quality standards.
The California Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).
Procedures and strategies associated with development and implementation of water supply projects and mitigating overdraft.
Methods and techniques of data collection, management, quality control, and analysis for groundwater studies.
Current software and technology necessary to keep up with work tasks.

Ability to:

Author technical reports and other documents.
Provide senior and/or peer review of technical reports and other documents prepared by other United staff.
Coordinate program areas with other District departments and outside agencies.
Monitor current federal, state, and local legislation, regulations, and policies that may impact assigned areas of responsibility.
Apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
Read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.
Respond effectively to sensitive inquires or complaints.
Plan, organize and direct the work of staff.
Manage a project budget and schedule.
Effectively operate a personal computer and necessary software.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Make effective and persuasive presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with District staff, Board of Directors, outside agencies and the public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in Geology, Hydrology or Engineering from a four-year college or university and broad and extensive professional geologic and hydrogeologic experience including at least seven (7) years of progressively professional experience relevant to this position is required.
A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience with matters related to applied hydrogeology and water resource management in California is required.
A Master’s degree or PhD in Geology, Hydrology, Water Resources Management or Civil/Environmental Engineering is preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required.
Licensing as a California Professional Geologist is required. Demonstration of ability to obtain CA Certified Hydrogeologist credential within two years of hire date is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed primarily indoors, but also outdoors. Outdoor conditions may include rain, high winds, and unusually high or low regional temperatures and exposure to outside elements. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may also be occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and high, precarious places. The following are additional requirements of the position:

Mobility: Job tasks are varied and require sitting, standing, walking (sometimes on uneven terrain), climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, and swimming.
Lifting: frequent lifting up to 20 pounds; occasional lifting up to 60 pounds.
Vision: constant use of overall vision, including near vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Dexterity: occasional grasping, fine manipulation, reaching, pushing, and pulling; occasional use of touch to distinguish or identify objects.
Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.
Emotional/Psychological: frequent contact with coworkers and others; depending on assignment, may also frequently work alone. The employee is also expected to respond in emergency situations.
Environmental: exposure to moderate noise levels but hearing protection must be worn in certain areas; occasional exposure to chemicals; occasionally uses smell to distinguish or identify objects.

United Water Conservation District

About Us

New Jobs

Senior Hydrogeologist