Operational Hydrologist

Lynker Corporation•Atlanta, GA

2d•$80,000 - $115,000

About The Position

Lynker Corporation is seeking an Operational Hydrologist to support a high-visibility research-to-operations initiative embedded at the National Weather Service. The role is supported by Lynker technical resources and subject matter experts, regular collaboration with CW3E researchers, a peer hydrologist embedded at the Northwest RFC, and Lynker program management coordinating across Lynker, CW3E, CIROH, and NOAA. The Operational Hydrologist will lead design, testing, and experimental implementation of Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) decision-support tools and other hydrologic models and forecasting techniques in the SERFC operational environment. The role conducts hydrologic research and model development, calibration, testing, and verification; assists with software testing and implementation; and supports integration of tools and workflows with the NWS Community Hydrologic Prediction System (CHPS). It also evaluates model performance, ensemble forecasts, and reservoir inflow predictions, including during tropical cyclones and other high-impact events. The position connects research and operations among CIROH, CW3E, Lynker, and SERFC; develops knowledge of Southeast hydrology, reservoir operations, and partner needs; and recommends workflow improvements. The hydrologist presents forecasts and research findings to stakeholders and scientific conferences and leads or contributes to annual scientific reports and peer-reviewed articles.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Hydrology, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Atmospheric Science, or a related discipline; recent graduates are encouraged to apply; OR a master’s degree in a related discipline and at least 2 years of professional experience in hydrology, hydrologic modeling, or hydrometeorology.
Hands-on experience with hydrologic models, such as SAC-SMA, the National Water Model, or other conceptual or physically based models, and a solid understanding of hydrologic forecasting concepts.
Proficiency in Python or R for scientific programming and analysis of large hydrologic and meteorological datasets.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with forecasters, researchers, and partners across multiple organizations.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO), reservoir operations, or similar water-management decision-support approaches.
Familiarity with NWS operational forecasting systems, such as CHPS and the Hydrologic Ensemble Forecast Service (HEFS).
Experience with ensemble forecasts, probabilistic verification, or risk-based decision support.
Knowledge of Southeast hydrometeorological hazards, including tropical cyclones, coastal and compound flooding, and extreme rainfall, or experience with atmospheric river research.
Familiarity with modern software development practices, including version control and containerization, to streamline model deployment.
Peer-reviewed publications or presentations at scientific conferences.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, testing, and experimental implementation of FIRO decision-support tools and other advanced hydrologic models and forecasting techniques within the SERFC operational environment.
Conduct hydrologic research, including model development, calibration, testing, and verification; assist with software testing and implementation; and experiment with new models at the local level.
Support integration of new tools and workflows with the NWS Community Hydrologic Prediction System (CHPS), with attention to the robustness and reliability required for public safety forecasts.
Analyze and visualize data to evaluate model performance, ensemble forecasts, and reservoir inflow predictions, including during tropical cyclones and other high-impact events.
Serve as liaison between CIROH, CW3E, Lynker, and SERFC to support integration of research into operations and operations into research.
Develop knowledge of Southeast hydrology and partner needs, including reservoir operations, and share insights with FIRO researchers to guide research and development.
Evaluate operational workflows and recommend improvements to efficiency and forecast accuracy.
Present forecasts and research findings to stakeholders and at national scientific conferences.
Lead or contribute to annual scientific reports and peer-reviewed journal articles.

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost, covering medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision.
Personal Time Off (PTO) policy and paid holidays.
Highly competitive compensation plan calibrated against industry and location benchmarks.
401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Flexible spending accounts.
Employee assistance program (EAP).
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life and accident insurance.
Tuition assistance, training, and workforce improvement reimbursement per year.
Spot bonuses for exceptional performance.
Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses.
Employee Referral Program.
Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System.
Personalized career growth plans for every employee.