Hydrologist III

Sealaska/Woocheen Family of Businesses•Polson, MT

2d•$95,000 - $105,000•Onsite

About The Position

This position focuses on hydrology and its application to an irrigation project, encompassing all aspects of the irrigation program. Responsibilities include troubleshooting project delivery issues, designing and maintaining irrigation infrastructure, and advising federal regional staff on policy, safety, design, development, and maintenance related to irrigation and hydrology. The role requires strong public speaking skills and the ability to develop complex, multi-disciplinary documents with specialized analytical and modeling information. The individual will interface with BIA field staff and tribal clientele.

Requirements

Must be able to demonstrate skills in conceiving, planning and problem solving in areas of considerable scope and complexity requiring unconventional or novel approaches and sophisticated techniques.
Must demonstrate excellent communication and writing skills.
Must demonstrate ability to work independently but also within a team environment.
Bachelor of Science in Hydrology, Water Science, or similar environmental discipline, Civil, Agricultural Engineering or similar from an ABET Accredited Institution or higher level degree in a science or management field.
At least 10 years of experience performing technical analyses and representation of those analyses in hydrology, water science, engineering, or related discipline.

Nice To Haves

A thorough knowledge of the basic laws, Federal regulations, Bureau and Departmental manuals, handbooks, and technical publications related to water rights/resources highly desired.
A working knowledge of the organizations, functions, interrelationships, and objectives of sister agencies within the Department and other Federal agencies for the development of memoranda of understanding, agreements, exchange of technical knowledge and the promotion of a cooperative working environment and relationships highly desired.
A working knowledge of the organizations, functions, interrelationships, and objectives of sister agencies within the Department and other Federal agencies for the development of memoranda of understanding, agreements, exchange of technical knowledge and the promotion of a cooperative working environment and relationships highly desired

Responsibilities

Mastery of and skill in applying expertise in advanced professional knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, and techniques of engineering management, hydrology, or natural resources management as applied to water rights/resources problems and issues including economics, water resources and environmental analysis to provide for efficient multi-objective resource allocation.
Evaluating and monitoring the work performed by other engineers and program personnel, reviewing field input for compliance, and recommending policy formation and implementation. Determining the relationship of work performed versus cost, considering organizational goals, and ensuring compliance with regulations and laws found in the CFR, U.S. Code, OMB, GAO, and other appropriate sources.
Evaluating and incorporating the latest developments in water resource planning into technical guidelines for Bureau and tribal water resources programs. Providing authoritative advice and alternatives for decision making within established Bureau, Departmental, and Federal policies, guidelines, instructions, and Executive Orders.
Assisting and advising the Project Administrator and/or the Northwest Regional Director in the development, implementation, and oversight of guidelines for water rights/resource issues.
Assisting and advising the Project Administrator and/or the Northwest Regional Director in all matters pertaining to various technical support projects for the Division, and developing recommended policies, instructions, and guidelines for the Bureau’s Program.
Meeting, cooperating, and consulting with personnel in other bureaus/services within the Department, and Federal and non-federal agencies regarding Water and Power Program issues of common interest, and making specific recommendations to achieve proper goals.
Reviewing field input regarding Water and Program water rights/resources to ensure compliance with Bureau, Departmental, and Federal policies and guidelines, and making recommendations to the Project Administrator and/or the Northwest Regional Director for the formulation and implementation of such policies.
Initiating in-depth analysis of the Irrigation Program to identify weaknesses, determine needed changes, and provide planning direction. Reporting results to the Project Administrator and/or the Northwest Regional Director for inclusion in developing and implementing activities to accomplish program objectives.
Making oral presentations to governmental conferences, Tribal groups, and other organizations as required and directed by the Project Administrator and/or the Northwest Regional Director related to the Irrigation Program.
Complying with OMB circular A-123, Internal Control Systems, and other directives that ensure control of waste, fraud, and abuse. Participating in OTS Interdisciplinary Evaluations of area offices as described in the BIAM Supplement.
Making trips to the field to provide technical guidance and assistance to Regional and Field personnel.
Collecting, organizing, and analyzing pertinent data, generating models, and providing appropriate output to fit the necessary audience, both technical and non-technical.
Ability to work long hours in the field from time to time.
Field trips may involve working in a high-risk out-of-doors environment or exposure to situations requiring protective clothing, safety helmet, safety shoes, noise suppressor, etc.
Outdoor activities may include hiking for long distances in inclement weather, climbing structures such as dam faces or facilities internal to power infrastructure, dams and irrigation structures.
Being considerate of and adhering to all policies, regulations, and sensitivities of the Government and Tribal clientele.
Other duties as assigned.