Hydrologist

United Water Conservation District•Oxnard, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Water Resources Manager/Supervisor, the Hydrologist supports the District’s water resource monitoring, assessment, and management functions by performing a variety of hydrology-related field and office duties. The Hydrologist works with the Water Resources, Operations and Maintenance, Environmental Services, and Engineering Departments staff on surface water issues and related water resource management activities.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Hydrology, hydraulics, water resource management, limnology and civil engineering.
Practice and principles of stream gauging and flow measurement devices.
Practice and principles of surveying and field data collection, including GPS devices.
Surface water modeling and analysis.
Word Processing, spreadsheets, database operations, and GIS.
Federal and State Regulations associated with groundwater and surface water, including water quality standards.
Statistical and unit analysis, methods, and application
Ability to work with engineers, field, and Environmental Science staff.
Ability to assist with the optimization of the District’s water operations.
Ability to comprehend and apply principles of algebra, trigonometry, and hydraulics.
Ability to comprehend calculus.
Ability to generate and program computer models.
Ability to apply principles of logical and scientific thinking to solve a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, maps, etc.).
Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
Ability to make oral presentations on controversial or complex topics to District management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.
Ability to work effectively with staff, the public, consultants, and other governmental entities.
Ability to prioritize tasks and meet schedules.

Nice To Haves

At least 4 years of progressive professional experience relevant to this position is desired.
An M.S. degree in Civil Engineering or Hydrology is preferred.
Years spent earning relevant advanced degrees may be accepted as a substitute for professional work experience.
Ability to earn or applicants who already possess licensing as a Professional Engineer (PE) by the State of California and/or Professional Hydrologist certification by the American Institute of Hydrology is a preferred qualification.

Responsibilities

Collects, compiles, analyzes and archives information on surface water and groundwater conditions within the Santa Clara River watershed and the Oxnard coastal plain for the purpose of guiding the District’s water resource operations to optimize the beneficial use of available water supplies.
Performs fieldwork associated with the collection of surface water data, groundwater information, and related hydrologic data.
Assists with monitoring and regulatory reporting efforts related to water resource management.
Gauges surface water flows at various locations throughout the District.
Calibrates automated gauges and stage-discharge relationships at the Freeman Diversion and other locations.
Maintains and updates United’s water data management software.
Assists with planning and monitoring of the District’s State Water importation program by evaluating annual water conditions.
Supports activities related to the releases of storm water from Castaic and Pyramid Lakes by closely monitoring and coordinating releases with DWR, understanding contractual requirements, and verifying the amounts of water received.
Makes presentations to various technical and non-technical groups.
Makes presentations to United’s Board of Directors and the Water Resources Committee.
Provides information as required to all departments to support engineering, planning, environmental and other water resource work by District staff.
Evaluates and provides technical information to other governmental entities, the public, and technical consultants.
Confirms appropriate use of such information and provides technical assistance as appropriate.
Generates a monthly report on surface water conditions for the Board of Directors.
Assists with the development and implementation of surface water studies.
Assists with the development and calibration of numerical models of surface flows, including interactions with groundwater.
Assists with permitting of District operations and facilities.
Represents the District with other agencies and with the public.
Provides guidance and instructions to technicians and fisheries biologists with respect to hydrological data acquisition, facility operations, and permit requirements for surface water flows for environmental purposes.
Reviews technical reports and hydraulic modeling results pertained to Santa Felicia Dam and provides support to Engineering and Operations.
Pilot or coordinate the use of drones for channel surveys.
Other duties as assigned.