Hydrologic Technician

Bureau of Reclamation • Blythe, CA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Lower Colorado Basin Region, Blythe Hydrographic Team located in Blythe, CA. The rate of pay is GS-05 - $47,490 - $61,738 and GS-06 - $52,938 - $68,819. Pay may vary based on the grade level for which you're selected. First-time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate. You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, and shift work. You will be required to work overtime. At the full performance level (GS-10), the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to, gathering hydrologic data concerning the quantity, quality, availability, movement, and distribution of water. The employee is assigned full responsibility for specific river, canal, pipeline/penstock, and drain acoustic Doppler velocity metering (ADVM) stations. Makes discharge measurements utilizing various devices depending upon the depth and velocity of the stream, channel profiles, and vertical velocity profiles at the assigned stations and monitors performance, accuracy, and appearance of any mechanical and/or electronic recording devices including gauging station structures and surrounding areas. Takes suspended sediment, bed load, and water quality samples at designated gauging stations, prepares samples for shipment or delivery to laboratories for further testing, and analyzes and tracks laboratory results for trends and unusual results. Performs a variety of computations and analysis of water resource data to prepare the data for interpretive use or inclusion in reports. Compiles data and prepares computer graphics and charts. Compiles meter measurements and develops stage-discharge curves by plotting discharge rates on a timeline and logarithm graph and/or through various forms of regression analysis. Develops residual plots when analyzing relationships for correlation to other measurable factors. Inputs data on discharge measurements, shift adjustments, and changes to rating tables via computer into the variety of software programs utilized for the operations database and for analysis and reporting purposes. Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 5 nights per month.
• You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• You must pass a physical examination.
• You are required to obtain and maintain a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC).
• You are required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• You must be at least 18 years of age or older to operate government vehicles.
• Subject to a 1-year probationary period.
• All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/21/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
• To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience.
• Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience.
• For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.
• To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level: Specialized Experience: at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience assisting fellow technicians with the following tasks: monthly site visits for the purposes of calibrating and downloading gaging stations; performing discharge measurements; collecting and preparing water samples for shipment; and performing basic record computations and reporting functions. Follows job hazard analysis for assigned tasks. You must include hours per week worked.
• To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level: Specialized Experience Requirement: at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience which includes: independently performs monthly site visits for the purposes of calibrating, downloading, and performing minor repairs to gaging stations; performing Acoustic Doppler Velocimetry (ADV) discharge measurements in standard environments; running rod for vertical stability surveys; assisting with the development of station corrections, computations, records, and analysis. Participates in the development of job hazard analysis for assigned tasks. You must include hours per week worked.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

• Gathers hydrologic data concerning the quantity, quality, availability, movement, and distribution of water.
• Assigned full responsibility for specific river, canal, pipeline/penstock, and drain acoustic Doppler velocity metering (ADVM) stations.
• Makes discharge measurements utilizing various devices depending upon the depth and velocity of the stream, channel profiles, and vertical velocity profiles at the assigned stations.
• Monitors performance, accuracy, and appearance of any mechanical and/or electronic recording devices including gauging station structures and surrounding areas.
• Takes suspended sediment, bed load, and water quality samples at designated gauging stations.
• Prepares samples for shipment or delivery to laboratories for further testing.
• Analyzes and tracks laboratory results for trends and unusual results.
• Performs a variety of computations and analysis of water resource data to prepare the data for interpretive use or inclusion in reports.
• Compiles data and prepares computer graphics and charts.
• Compiles meter measurements and develops stage-discharge curves by plotting discharge rates on a timeline and logarithm graph and/or through various forms of regression analysis.
• Develops residual plots when analyzing relationships for correlation to other measurable factors.
• Inputs data on discharge measurements, shift adjustments, and changes to rating tables via computer into the variety of software programs utilized for the operations database and for analysis and reporting purposes.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level